Getting to know.....Tom

What motivated you to join the board of trustees for our charity?  

An appreciation of the complexity of the condition. 

Could you share any past experiences or achievements relevant to the mission of our charity?  

I was a Non-Executive Director on the Board of NICE for several years and understand the challenges of diagnosis and treatment  

Are there any particular projects or initiatives within the charity that you are passionate about or have taken a lead on?  

Developing a medical research programme  

What do you believe sets our charity apart from others, and why do you feel it's important to support its mission?  

Not a well understood condition with a lack of clarity on medical approach, often severely impacting on people’s lives 

What do you hope to accomplish or see achieved by our charity in the next few years?  

To help develop stronger care pathways and medical interventions 

Stuck in a lift with….Tom

What's your favourite thing about being involved with our charity? 

Working with a small but highly motivated team  

Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that others might not know?  

I have run several marathons in recent years 

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your work with the charity?  

I am very interested in heritage and history and involved with many national and local museums  

What's a book, movie, or podcast you've recently enjoyed, and why?  

I am a great fan of The Rest is History Podcast and particularly enjoyed the recent series on Hannibal, the flawed but brilliant Carthaginian General. 

Is there a particular quote or saying that resonates with you and influences your approach to life?  

“No plan survives contact with the enemy”- Helmuth von Moltke 

If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be and why?  

James Cook who discovered so much of the world (from a modern western perspective) - it would be fascinating to understand his first impressions.  

What's something on your bucket list that you hope to accomplish someday?  

Visit Antarctica, I am on the Board of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust and have yet to visit.