Our Team

Richard was appointed Chief Executive of the CHECT team and charity in April 2023. Prior to joining CHECT he was for five years the Chief Executive of a charity focussed on delivering improvements to day-to-day life to children and young people suffering from life limiting or serious illness living in UK’s highest areas of deprivation. Richard has spent over 20 years in the not-for-profit sector both on a permanent and interim basis.

When not working he keeps busy by running half and the occasional full marathons and undertaking several voluntary roles.

Richard works flexibly over 4 days, and you can contact him on 0207 377 5578 or Richard.ashton@chect.org.uk.

Sarah joined us in October 2019 and is based at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital where she makes contact with families having treatment for Rb.

Sarah has a background working with youth, being previously employed by the Teenage Cancer Trust and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Sarah’s passions include horse riding, climbing and enjoying a good book.

Sarah works on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and you can contact her on 07526 594 762 or sarah.turley@chect.org.uk.

Lena joined the CHECT Team in September 2021. She is based at the London office, providing support to families at The Royal London Hospital.

Most recently, Lena worked as a Support Worker for Young Lives vs Cancer and, whilst there, worked with some families whose children were having treatment for retinoblastoma at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Lena works on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and you can contact her on 07706919996 or lena.copley@chect.org.uk.

 Priyanka joined the CHECT team in October 2023 as the Fundraising Manager and has over 10 years’ experience in fundraising and partnerships.

When not working, Priyanka loves travelling, keeping fit and spending time with friends and family.

She works 4 days a week and splits her time between her home in Lincoln and London. You can contact her on 0207 377 5578 or Priyanka.kotecha@chect.org.uk.

Lizzie joined CHECT in November 2015, and is responsible for generating income through charitable trusts and foundations.

Lizzie has worked as a fundraiser for the past 12 years in both trusts and corporate roles, at several different child disability and medical research charities. She lives on the south coast with her husband and two young sons, and splits her time between working in the London office and from home.

Lizzie works Monday to Friday and you can contact her on 0207 377 5578 or lizzie.smalldon@chect.org.uk.

Isabella joined us in July 2021 and is responsible for raising awareness of retinoblastoma and the work that CHECT does. She looks after our media relations, InFocus newsletter, blog and social media accounts. Over the past decade Isabella has worked in journalism, social media and content creation – specifically working on eye care campaigns for over 9 years. 

Isabella works flexible days over a three day week.  She can be contacted via 0207 377 5578 or isabella.greenwood@chect.org.uk

Petra joined the trust in 2013. As well as leading the support team, she manages the charity’s research activities, and is responsible for raising awareness of Rb with healthcare professionals. Petra’s background is in charity communications, including a parenting charity, and immediately prior to joining CHECT she spent a number of years working at a large charity supporting people of all ages with visual impairments.

Petra works four days a week and you can contact her on 0207 377 5578 or petra.maxwell@chect.org.uk.

  Fran joined in March 2019 and is delighted to be part of the CHECT team! She is bringing with her over ten years’ experience within finance, HR and office management, working in a range of sectors, from digital marketing, recruitment to residential services for young people with complex needs.

When not working, she is kept busy teaching hypnobirthing and running around after her two young sons. 

Fran works on alternate Monday/Tuesdays and Thursday/Fridays two days per week and you can contact her on 0207 377 5578 or francesca.wilford-davis@chect.org.uk.

Beth joined us in June 2018 and is responsible for creating designs for CHECT with the Communications Manager and Fundraising Manager. The role is varied, with input across a wide range of the charity’s activities as well as being responsible for the efficient and smooth running of the office and support with all operational processes and development. Beth has worked in Tower Hamlets for a number of years previous to working at CHECT, in the Idea Stores throughout the borough.

When not working, Beth enjoys going to the cinema and to The Valley to watch Charlton (most likely) lose.

Beth works Monday to Friday and you can contact her on 0207 377 5578 or email beth.lardner@chect.org.uk.

Maddie joined us in April 2022 and is responsible for providing support across the whole CHECT team; helping with our fundraising activities, our support for families, and our communications and awareness raising. Maddie joins us from a background working in various roles within the arts and charity sectors, with a focus on education and empowering young people and individuals with disabilities.

Maddie works Monday to Friday and you can contact her on 0207 377 5578 or maddie.beeson@chect.org.uk.