Diabetes UK Cymru has an enthusiastic team of staff and volunteers who carry out our work in Wales. Here are some of the staff who are here to help you.
Dai Williams – National Director
Born and raised in Merthyr Tydfil, Dai trained as a biochemist, but has worked for many years with the BBC in London and Cardiff, including work in the fields of education and health promotion. He now leads Diabetes UK’s work in Wales. Both his wife and his son have diabetes.
Chris Headland - National Clinical Advisor for Wales
Chris has extensive experience and knowledge of diabetes both personally and professionally, having worked in the NHS and charity sector (for Diabetes UK Cymru) and most recently as a Diabetes Specialist Nurse in the commercial sector. Chris was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a child in 1992, so is well aware of the challenges that may arise when growing up with the condition.Chris is based in our North Wales office in Prestatyn.
Danielle Angell - Volunteer Development Support Officer
Danielle joined Diabetes UK Cymru in April 2011 after moving from London, where she worked in Diabetes UK's central office. Since graduating in 2009, Danielle has been very lucky to gain some great experience working with some fantastic charities including Diabetes UK and Cancer Research UK. Danielle’s role at Diabetes UK Cymru is to support the Volunteer Development Officer in supporting our volunteers and voluntary groups. As a keen fundraiser and volunteer herself and a people person it is a role she loves doing.
Ellen Blanks – Volunteer Development Officer
Ellen came to Diabetes UK Cymru after working for a major bank for 15 years. She works to support our volunteers and Voluntary Groups, on whom Diabetes UK depends so much. She describes working for Diabetes UK as "the nicest job I’ve ever had." Contact Ellen for advice on how to volunteer for Diabetes UK or for help setting up a diabetes support group in your area.
Jane Clark – Care Project Administrator
Jane joined Diabetes UK Cymru in June 2009. A food scientist by training, Jane currently also runs her own business working part-time as a research consultant. Jane’s role at Diabetes UK Cymru allows her to utilise her business and administrative experience, helping people with Diabetes both at a local level and across Wales.
Jane is responsible for helping the Care Advisor with day to day administration and assisting with the planning and organising of events and meetings. Her role is also to strengthen and develop links with local clinical, volunteer and patient/parent groups.
Joseph Cuff – National Fundraising Manager
Joseph is our tireless National Fundraising Manager. With his team of dedicated volunteers, he works to ensure that Diabetes UK’s work in Wales gets the funding it needs to continue. Our fundraising team have an exciting programme of events planned throughout the year, from walks and runs to formal dinners and murder mystery evenings. Plus, they can help you get you own ideas off the ground.
Jason Harding – Policy and Public Affairs Manager
Jason has been working for Diabetes UK Cymru since the end of 2009 and has lots of experience of campaigns and policy work for health and children’s charities. He will be working hard to ensure that politicians, health professionals and decision makers in Wales are absolutely clear on what they need to do to ensure people with diabetes, their family and carers get the support they require and deserve.
Mary Nicholls – National Support Officer
Mary was well familiar with diabetes before she came to work for Diabetes UK Cymru as she had many friends who lived with diabetes and its complications. She had also always wanted to work for a charity. Mary is responsible for much of the administration and financial management in the office, and she also organises many of our conferences and meetings.
Kerry-Lynne Pyke – Media and Communications Officer
Kerry-Lynne joined Diabetes UK Cymru in 2009 after previously working as a journalist. She co-ordinates media coverage for Diabetes UK Cymru by writing press releases and for Diabetes UK publications, the website, the charity’s Facebook group and Twitter account. She also represents the charity by doing interviews on radio and TV. Contact Kerry-Lynne for information about getting involved in raising awareness about diabetes in the media.
Karen Rossi - Fundraising Assistant
Karen worked for Diabetes UK Cymru as a volunteer for two years before becoming a member of the Wales team in 2008. She supports Joseph Cuff in all fundraising events accross Wales. Karen also takes an active role in parent/children support days and has a daughter who has had Type 1 diabetes since 2001.
Sue Thomas – Fundraising Assistant
Sue has been working for Diabetes UK Cymru for nearly ten years. She ensures our fundraising events run smoothly, and keeps our stocks of diabetes information up to date.