How long have you been a volunteer at The Pituitary Foundation, and why did you start volunteering?
I officially became an ambassador for The Pituitary Foundation in October 2023, but my connection with The Foundation goes back nearly two decades. I was diagnosed with acromegaly in 2004 and from that moment, The PF became a real source of support – its resources, and the wider community, have helped me navigate the complexities of living with a pituitary condition.
Over the years, I found myself naturally stepping into a support role – signposting others to PF resources, sharing my experiences, and offering encouragement.
Becoming an ambassador, a volunteer role, felt like the natural next step – a way to combine my personal journey and professional background to give back and help amplify The Foundation’s incredible work.
What have you enjoyed most about being a volunteer?
What I’ve loved most is being able to bring the real, lived experience of a pituitary condition into the conversation – everything from the shock and complexity of reaching a diagnosis, to the ups and downs of treatment, and ultimately, learning how to live well with it.
I’m a passionate advocate for empowering patients to speak up for better care and treatment, and being an ambassador has given me a platform to do just that. I also enjoy using my professional experience in the NHS and life sciences to support The Foundation in practical ways—whether it’s helping to find venues, reviewing documents, or contributing to strategic discussions. It’s a great blend of heart and head.
Do you have a story of your favourite moment as a volunteer?
Well, I did recently abseil off Anfield Stadium to raise funds—which was memorable, if not exactly my favourite moment!
But the real highlights for me have been speaking at two major events—WAPO and BES – where I shared my story as a patient with audiences of clinicians, researchers, and fellow advocates. I love public speaking, and these opportunities allowed me to bring a patient’s voice into spaces where it’s often missing. I truly felt like I was helping to shift perspectives.
Why would you recommend volunteering?
The Pituitary Foundation is a powerhouse of support – offering everything from information about the many pituitary conditions and nurse helplines, to mental health services and peer connections. Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back to a community that gives so much.
Whether you’ve been directly affected by a pituitary condition or simply want to make a difference, your time and energy can have a real impact.
What would you say to anyone who’s considering becoming a volunteer?
Volunteering isn’t one-size-fits-all. You don’t have to climb mountains (or abseil off stadiums!) to make a difference. There are so many ways to get involved—joining the Lived Experience Committee, supporting local meetups, writing for the magazine, or helping with fundraising. Think about what you enjoy and what you can offer, then reach out to the PF team. They’re incredibly supportive and will help you find the right fit. Just take that first step—you won’t regret it.
