New CEO for Penny Brohn

A new CEO has been appointed to lead Penny Brohn, in a move that trustees say could be transformational for the Pill-based charity.

Julie Worrall, who is currently the director of fundraising and development at Above and Beyond, will take up her new post in October 2020. She says her own experience of cancer gives her a unique perspective and passion to ensure the charity emerges from the challenges posed by Covid-19 stronger than ever.

In a career “dedicated to giving back”, Julie has clocked up more than 15 years’ experience in the charity health sector, seven of these in formal leadership roles, and has served on boards for national and local charities.

Speaking about her new role, Julie said: “People need more than medicine to cope with all the ways that cancer impacts their life. I believe that everyone affected by cancer should be able to access Penny Brohn’s whole life approach.”

Julie Worrall says she is determined that Penny Brohn will get through this difficult time and emerge stronger – photo courtesy of Penny Brohn UK

Julie continued: “My own personal experience of cancer, and of working in the health sector, give me a unique perspective and a passion to take this organisation forward.

“15 years ago, at the age of 24, I was diagnosed with stage four cancer of the ovary. This particular type of cancer was so rare that only 15 people in the UK are diagnosed with it a year. It was a huge shock to us all. However, I was lucky. I received incredible treatment, care and compassion which I will forever be grateful for. It was a devastating experience physically and emotionally that continues to impact me to this day, however, it also gave rise to so much good.

“Since then, I have dedicated my career to using my professional skills to ‘giving back’. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to take my journey full circle and remain driven to turn my experiences into a force for good.

“I am determined that Penny Brohn will get through this difficult time and emerge stronger.  I look forward very much to working with the brilliant staff team and to leading Penny Brohn UK into an exciting new phase of development and to be able to make broader and deeper sustained impact for the people we exist to support.”

Stephen Rosser, chair of trustees at Penny Brohn UK, says the charity’s pioneering holistic approach to cancer, helping people to care for their mind, body, spirit and emotions, is needed more than ever at this time of uncertainty.

Speaking about Julie’s appointment, he said: “We believe Julie’s appointment has the potential to be transformational as she leads Penny Brohn UK through a period of change in order to survive the impact of the coronavirus pandemic to continue to help people live well with cancer.

“We are confident that under Julie’s leadership we will find ground-breaking ways to reach more people with cancer – in their home, in their community and in hospital.  People need help now. They cannot wait. By harnessing opportunities in digital technology and health we will extend our services to provide support that reaches far beyond geographical borders.”

Main photo courtesy of Penny Brohn UK

Read more: How coronavirus outbreak is affecting Bristol’s charities