Cancer Support Suffolk consists of a small yet ambitious team, fuelled by a passion to help the people of Suffolk. They are supported by a team of determined and willing ambassadors and trustees.
Mark Murphy MBE
CEO
We’re all touched in some way by cancer, either personally or through a loved one’s diagnosis. Cancer Support Suffolk has been helping local people for twenty-five years and we’re planning on helping even more people on their cancer journey.
If you or a loved one has cancer, and need some support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Cancer Support Suffolk.
I can remember helping to fundraise when the charity began twenty-five years ago, so it is very special and a great honour to become the new CEO and to carry on the great work Cancer Support Suffolk does.
Kimya Piper
Education, Engagement & Outreach Manager
Hi folks, my name is Kimya and I have been with the charity since October 2023. I am the Education, Engagement & Outreach Manager, a job I absolutely love.
We have entered our 26th year as a small local independent charity supporting people in Suffolk with a diagnosis of cancer. My role involves leading on various cancer related educational projects, community engagement and ensuring that the charity is visible. I give talks & presentations to adults and young people in the community around ‘general cancer awareness’, the signs & symptoms to look out for plus reminding them of the available screening programmes. Early cancer diagnosis is key.
I also very much enjoy collaborating and working with other health colleagues, charities, and organisations. I love educating people and attending any relevant events – so proud to work for Cancer Support Suffolk.
Alice Stebbings
Fundraising Manager
I’ve been part of the Cancer Support Suffolk team since January 2018, working as a fundraiser and now focusing on events management too.
I studied my degree of Public Relations and Media in Sheffield and have since had two young boys, Fergus, and Felix!
Judith Weale
Office Manager
I joined the team in January 2019 and come from a music teaching and admin background.
I’m in the office three days a week, looking after the website, accounts, general admin and organising and running the All About You Sessions with Victoria, our beautician. I can sometimes be seen playing the oboe or saxophone at our fundraising events and out in the wider community.
I’ve been married for 34 years and have two grown up children – also both married!
It is a pleasure and a privilege to work for this charity and be part of the important work that we do.
Becky Luetchford
Social Media and Marketing – currently on maternity leave
I joined the team in November 2024 to help out mostly with social media. I studied visual communication at Birmingham City University and specialised in illustration. Since graduating I have had a variety of creative roles, including commission based illustrations, working for the Church of England in Suffolk and for St. Edmundsbury Cathedral. I’m excited to be part of a team that is working for such an important purpose. I’m just one day a week at the moment, based in the office.
Becky is currently on maternity leave and Steph is doing our Social media and Marketing for the next few months.
Victoria Wyatt
All About You Beautician
I am delighted to be running the All About You workshops for this amazing charity. I have over 20 years experience within the beauty industry, having previously worked in a Beauty Salon, for Lancôme as a skincare and make up consultant and also had my own mobile beauty business. I am passionate about people’s wellbeing and health and it brings me so much joy to be able to share with you all these wonderful 100% natural, organic products from Inika’s skincare and make-up range.
Stephanie Mackentyre
Social Media and Marketing
Stephanie Mackentyre is looking after our social media while Becky is on maternity leave.
“After spending most of my career working in the media I took a break to fulfil an ambition to become an author. Having been at the birth of social media and running many courses on the subject, I wrote Beyond the Bucket to show charities how to promote themselves & raise money without spending any.
I’m delighted to step back into the role of social media support for Cancer Support Suffolk holding the fort for a few months. The charity does so much truly inspirational work supporting those who are living with a cancer diagnosis here in my home county of Suffolk.”
Elizabeth Love-Mott
Volunteer
I am happy to say that I am a Volunteer here at Cancer Support Suffolk, this charity has helped me with a place to go and chat, I also attended an All About You session and found this to be such a lovely day. Being a survivor I wanted to give something back to the cancer community, those that have just been diagnosed or those who are further on, or even those who don’t know they have cancer – this is my volunteer intention to help the Educator, Kimya and the team in reaching out into our community and the surrounding district, talking and helping all of you to find out more about screening, diagnosis and treatment for Cancer.
Pippa Graham
Voluntary Volunteer Manager
After my own cancer diagnosis I only realised after speaking with a friend that counselling and complementary therapies are funded by Cancer Support Suffolk. Knowing this, I felt compelled to give back and help ensure they could continue supporting others who, like me, have been in that position.
Now, as the Volunteer Manager, I’m incredibly proud to contribute in any way I can to support the charity’s vital, and sometimes life-changing, work. It’s truly an honour to be part of something that makes such a difference in people’s lives.
Meet the Counsellors
Chris Myhill
Counsellor
I deliver counselling sessions from the Community Cancer Wellbeing Hub on both Tuesdays and Thursdays. Since qualifying I have worked with cancer clients from 2017 at Ipswich Hospital and joined CSS in the summer of 2023. It is a real joy for me to be part of the team that provides such great support for cancer patients across the Suffolk area.
Eva Turner
Counsellor
Eva is a specialist breast cancer counsellor who works from our Community Cancer Wellbeing Hub on a Monday.
Eva’s role is fully funded by Art for Cure.
Sally Thompson
Counsellor
I have been a counsellor for more than 30 years and for the last 5 years I’ve been a breast cancer counsellor. I’m really excited to be part of the great team at Cancer Support Suffolk and I’m looking forward to support the charity’s breast cancer clients.
Sallys role is full funded by Art for Cure.
Meet the Ambassadors
Kirsty Jay
Ambassador
I am proud to have been asked to become an ambassador for Cancer Support Suffolk.
The charity has provided myself and my family vital support since my cancer diagnosis in 2023. Having experienced first hand the impact of the compassionate care and community-driven assistance, they are dedicated to raising awareness and helping others navigate their own cancer journeys.
As a volunteer ambassador I look forward to helping raise vital funds, awareness and be able to give back to a charity who has stood by me to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.
Barry Griffiths
Ambassador
After meeting Mark at a charity event in 2024, I was impressed by what I learnt. He explained what Cancer Support Suffolk do for local people in a time of great need, including help for their families. This is a subject very close to my heart after losing my own Mum and business partner to this terrible disease and having experienced first-hand other loved family members & friends battling and seeing the affect it also has on their families. So, to offer this support is special and niche. Over the last year my friendship with Mark has grown as I have seen before my eyes all his hard work pays off and it has been an honour to support him, whether it be in person or by donated various items of memorabilia by myself and Barr Personnel Ltd, to help raise needed funds. My love for Cancer Support Suffolk continues to flourish and it is an honour to be an official ambassador for this amazing charity, which gives back to our local community.
Deborah Watson
Ambassador
We all think we understand something about cancer, its implications and its impact.
It’s often not until we’re faced with it, up close and personal, that we truly learn what that diagnosis and subsequent journey looks like in the fullest sense.
I feel truly privileged to have been asked by Mark and the team at Cancer Support in Suffolk, to become an ambassador for the charity.
It’s only a few months since I lost my Dad to prostate cancer, and I’m eager to ensure that a charity here in his county is able to do as much as possible to help others in the midst of their own cancer story.
As a PR consultant and former journalist, I’m keen to put my skills to use to spread the word of the organisation, and to bring personal experiences to life.
With a particular passion for talking about prostate cancer and how men and their families are supported, I’m looking forward to developing specific initiatives with Mark and the team in the months ahead.
Richard Garrett
Ambassador
“Sadly, and like too many of us, my life has been touched by the word “Cancer” too many times. Both my Mother-in-Law, and then my Father after just two weeks from his diagnosis, lost their fights against Cancer. My partner was then diagnosed the same week as my Father, but luckily after she had five surgeries at “The Big C Centre” in Norwich, and with a lot of hard work and determination from herself, that she is still with us today.
It was during her recovery that it became very clear to me that there really wasn’t a lot of support for patients after surgeries for this destructive illness, that helped them, and their families, dealing with the aftermath of this, but you just muddle through as a family somehow.
14 years have gone by now, but when I saw a leaflet from Cancer Support Suffolk stating what there plans were for the future, in the support of both patients and their families, it struck a chord with me from the experiences I had had with my partner. Maybe then my chance meeting with Mark Murphy at an event for a mutual client was meant to be. We spoke about what Cancer Support Suffolk was planning for both the near and distant future, and I explained what mine and my families experiences had been to him. He said that if Cancer Support Suffolk could help in any way to get in touch with him or a member of his team, which is what we done in relation to my partner having a “Pamper Day” organised by Cancer Support Suffolk. She had a great time and was also able to take along one of her friends for a bit of moral support, which really helped her.
Mark then asked if I would / could help with an event that Cancer Support Suffolk was organising to raise much needed funds, and that is where the work relationship started. “of course I can and will” I said. Since then we have supplied our business services to many events for Cancer Support Suffolk, which I know has saved them money, which in turn allows them to have more much needed funds to spend on supporting the people that need their help the most.
Now to be asked to become an “Ambassador” for them is an absolute honour, and something that came completely out of the blue to be honest. I am over the moon to accept their invitation, and will continue to help as best I can with future projects where my skills and expertise allow me to.
In closing, lets ALL keep fighting this battle, because if it hasn’t done so already, some day Cancer will affect you in a way that you don’t want it to, whether it be yourself or a relative / friend.
Kevin Ward
Ambassador
I feel very privileged to have been asked by Mark and the team to be an Ambassador for Cancer Support in Suffolk. Having gained a greater understanding of how this wonderful local charity works, I am keen to do what I can to support them in their work. We are such a generous nation and county, but I truly believe it’s important for us to support local charities like Cancer Support in Suffolk who put so much effort into helping people in need within our local area.
I’m looking forward to enjoying some of the lovely events planned for the future and helping the team where I can to deliver their valued work.
David Vincent
Ambassador
My cancer journey began in 2012 and I have had the best of care from Ipswich Hospital, and support from family and friends.
A cancer diagnosis is a bombshell for the whole family and a time of stress and worry.
So I am very pleased to join CSS as an ambassador and to be able to support the work of the charity among patients and offering family support.
I will help with publicizing the work of the charity, fundraising and events.
Many people will know me from my many years working in local newspapers.
Charlie Brown
Ambassador
I’m really passionate about helping the charity. I am passionate about cancer care and supporting patients, Cancer Support Suffolk has made a real difference to patients under my care.
John Rawlings
Ambassador
April 10th 2018………a date I should never forget. My daughter’s birthday, but also the date when I was formally told that I had aggressive prostate cancer. It hits hard, not only for the patient but also for the loved ones around them. As a former teacher I hope that I can bring some of my education skills to the charity, helping to promote CSS and spreading the word especially regarding prostate cancer, which is very much close to my heart. Having experienced the trauma of a cancer diagnosis, I feel it is vitally important to support the work which this wonderful charity does in and around the county. It is an unbelievable honour to be asked to work as an ambassador for a local cancer charity and I look forward to supporting its many fund-raising events and to be a willing listener and speaker when the need arises.
Steve Flory
Ambassador
Steve Flory is a local businessman born in Suffolk, a county close to his heart. His career has taken many twists and turns to when he finds himself today. Starting his working life at the major UK Insurance company, Willis Faber and Dumas (now Willis Towers Watson), for the last 20 years he has developed his own business ventures. Steve was a founder of ‘Ansaback’, a leading UK call centre, and is currently Managing Director of the Hudson Group.
Working to help support aspiration and opportunity for all, Steve is a ‘Lead Industry Partner ’ of Suffolk New College, an active member of the Ipswich East Rotary Club and an Eastern Enterprise Hub ‘Superstar’ helping people fulfil their dreams of owning their own business. Until September 2017 he was Chair of the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity. He is about to take on the role of Chair of Trustees for Brave Futures children’s charity
Jack Frere
Ambassador
Hi, my names Jack, I am a cancer survivor who was diagnosed when I was 6 years old.
I’m part of the Teenage and Young Adult Cancer programme at Cancer Support Suffolk and I aim to be as helpful as I can be to spread to work and encourage positive communication about the disease, as I have done recently on a cancer support podcast.
Liz Harsant
Ambassador
“I am honoured to serve as an Ambassador for Cancer Support Suffolk. Having cared for very close family members with terminal cancer, I know first-hand the emotional and practical challenges that carers and loved ones face. Often, their need for support goes unrecognised. I am passionate about helping the charity highlight and extend its support to those who care so selflessly, ensuring they are not overlooked during such difficult times.”
Pat and Lisa Lewis
Ambassador
Patrick and Lisa Lewis are owners of Source One Consulting, one of the leading office and commercial fit out and refurbishment companies in the region.
Patrick was born and bred in Ipswich, where the business was founded in 2002, and their family business now has clients all over the country.
Lisa was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2021 and the family business navigated that journey in the way that they only knew…resilience, support and communication.
Lisa and Pat are also co-owners of Abbeygate Accountancy, another Suffolk Based business based around the ethics of ‘people first’
”We are so proud to be asked to be Ambassadors for Cancer Support Suffolk. The work and dedication that Mark and his team commit to this cause is outstanding and we are honoured to be able to help in any way we can”
Jaya Georgey
Ambassador
I am incredibly proud and honoured to join with Cancer Support Suffolk as an Ambassador.
My motivation stems from a very personal place. Having lost my beloved mother to cancer, I understand firsthand the immense challenges and emotional toll this disease takes on individuals and their families. It is this experience that fuels my commitment to ensuring that others facing similar battles receive the support, care, and guidance they need.
I believe we all have a duty to support our community, especially those navigating such a difficult journey. As an Ambassador, I am dedicated to raising awareness, fostering understanding, and championing the invaluable resources that Cancer Support Suffolk provides. My goal is to add my voice and values to their recovery journeys with this amazing organization.
Kevin Hood
Ambassador
I am incredibly proud and humbled to have been given the opportunity by Mark to serve as an ambassador for Cancer Support Suffolk. This role means a great deal to me, both personally and professionally, and I am deeply committed to supporting the charity’s mission of providing compassionate care and vital resources to those affected by cancer in our community.
My desire to become an ambassador stems from a genuine belief in the power of connection, empathy, and support during life’s most challenging moments. Cancer touches so many lives, and I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to have a network that offers not just medical help, but emotional and practical support. Cancer Support Suffolk embodies that spirit, and I am honoured to help amplify its message and extend its reach.
Being chosen by Mark for this role is a privilege I don’t take lightly. His trust and belief in me are deeply appreciated, and I am committed to representing the charity with integrity, energy, and heart. I look forward to working alongside the team, engaging with the community, and helping ensure that no one in Suffolk faces cancer alone.
Dr Liz O’Riordan
Ambassador
Dr Liz O’Riordan is a UK breast surgeon. In 2015, at 40 years of age, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. She has since had two local recurrences, and the side effects of treatment meant she was forced to retire from the job she loved. She found new ways to help people through writing, speaking, hosting a podcast and health content creation for her social media following of 200k.
Her first book, ‘The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer: How to Feel Empowered and Take Control’, answered every question she had when she was first diagnosed. Her memoir ‘Under The Knife’ shares her experiences of life as a female surgeon before becoming a patient herself. She’s of the top 100 Female Key Opinion Leaders in Oncology to follow on social media, and she hosts the podcast ‘So Now I’ve Got Breast Cancer’. She continues to help patients with evidence-based videos to explain and demystify cancer treatment and talks globally about how to improve cancer care.
Her latest book, ‘The Cancer Roadmap’ came about through the exponential rise of medical misinformation online. Aimed at anyone with an interest in cancer, it clearly explains what cancer is, why it happens and how it should be treated. When Liz isn’t busy being a patient advocate, she divides her time between wild swimming, gardening and knitting, which makes her feel like she’s still a surgeon.
Janet Humphrey
Ambassador
Janet Humphrey- originally from North Yorkshire but has spent 40 years with Suffolk Constabulary as both an officer for 30 years and 10years as a civilian, with the last 10 years as an officer supporting Women to leave prostitution. Married with 2 sons who both now also work within the Constabulary . A Breast cancer survivor and volunteer for Cancer Support Suffolk, we are very excited to welcome her as an Ambassador.
Alan and Angela Pease
Ambassadors
Alan Pease is Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Suffolk New College, and has been since January 2023, although he has been at the college since 2017. He has worked in the Further Education and Skills sector for 24 years in colleges in Essex and Suffolk, having started his career as a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Sciences.
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