Who we are
We also assist and support the families and supporters of those living with cancer or any family member bereaved by cancer. All of our services are completely free of charge to clients.
Charis Cancer Care works in conjunction with clinical treatments for cancer and our staff offer our clients every form of support that is possible. Our role is to listen and help, in a warm and nurturing environment, with support from experienced professionals and therapists. We have registered over 12600 people since we opened 14 years ago, with demand increasing from month to month.
In June 2021 Charis Cancer Care successfully secured a 5* rating once again as part of the prestigious Macmillan Quality Environment Mark awards, making it the 4th consecutive success since first receiving it in 2012.
“The MQEM award champions cancer environments that go above and beyond to create welcoming and friendly spaces for patients” (Macmillan.org.uk)
Charis Cancer Care certainly have a dedicated team providing the highest quality of service to clients and constant review of facilities to ensure the most welcoming, relaxing and safe experience for those affected by cancer across Northern Ireland.
Our Charis Care Centre is based overlooking the serene Lough Fea, just outside of Cookstown, Co. Tyrone with a wonderful team of staff and volunteers, who offer our clients every form of support that is possible.
At Charis Cancer Care centre, we have ample FREE parking on site, including Disabled Parking space at the front door.
Ambulance access is also available here.
Client only car park is situated at the front of the centre with an overspill carpark to the rear.
Meet the Team
We work together; united by a shared commitment to support our mission and the individuals and families we serve.
Chief Executive
I’ve been working at Charis for 3 years now – initially as the Director of Operations and then in November 2025, I became the Chief Executive.
Like most people, my own life and family have been directly affected by cancer, so I understand what it means to deal with a cancer diagnosis. I know how important it is to have a place such as Charis to provide a safe, therapeutic and welcoming sanctuary. It is genuinely such a privilege to lead Charis and our incredible team of staff, counsellors, complementary therapists, supporters and volunteers and to see first-hand the amazing difference we make to people, every day, from across Northern Ireland and from every walk of life. I absolutely love working at Charis – but it really is more than just a job.
Outside of work, I love going on holidays with my family, pottering about my garden and I’m an avid rugby fan and season ticket holder for Ulster Rugby.
Head of Income Generation
I joined the team at Charis in November 2023 as Head of Income Generation. It’s a huge privilege to head up fundraising and income generation at Charis Cancer Care, working with ‘the Claires’ in the fundraising team! Working in a small team, my role is extremely varied which I love and like most in the team, no two days are the same. I’m responsible for ensuring we raise the money required to keep Charis services running and I take this responsibility seriously as I know the life-changing impact of the services we provide to many facing cancer. Since joining I’ve been continually overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of our donors, fundraisers, business partners and clients. Charis really has the best supporters. One of the things I love most about my role is meeting our supporters and fundraisers and hearing about the reasons why they’ve chosen to raise money for Charis.
In my personal life I’m married to Phil and a ‘dog mum’ to Skye- our rescue collie, affectionately known as ‘the child’! I enjoy spending time with family and friends over a good meal! I love travelling and one of my favourite programmes is Race Across the World, however I prefer to travel with a bit more comfort, with South Africa and the Rockies being highlights so far.
Finance Office
I’ve spent over 27 years working in finance, 4 of these years in my role as Finance Officer at Charis Cancer Care. I look after everything from processing salaries, paying invoices to lodging and thanking the generous donations from clients, businesses and the general public of which we are eternally grateful.
Every day brings something different, and I enjoy the variety and responsibility that
come with overseeing key financial functions and gives me great satisfaction knowing I play an important part in the fabulous services offered by Charis Cancer Care to the people who need it most.
When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family, going on holidays, and enjoying moments with my two precious grandchildren. These are the things that really make life special, and I’m lucky to have the chance to balance a career.
I love with the people I love most.
Head of Services
I joined Charis in January 2026, as Head of Services. With over 25 years of experience in project management, service delivery and service quality improvement, I am responsible for overseeing the development, coordination, and continuous improvement of Charis services, ensuring individuals and families affected by cancer receive compassionate, high-quality care. I am passionate about delivering meaningful impact and I am dedicated to continuous improvement, collaboration, and excellence across all areas of service provision.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, keeping active, and making time for personal wellbeing. I enjoy relaxing with a good Netflix series, trips to the cinema, and watching a wide range of films from action and thrillers to true stories and classic favourites. My ideal night out would be a meal at a lovely restaurant followed by a musical.
Corporate Fundraiser
I joined Charis in June 2025 as their Corporate Fundraiser. The charity is very close to my heart, as I have seen first-hand the difference its work made to someone close to me and those around them.
I enjoy networking and building relationships, and this role draws on my background in business banking relationship and matchmaking. I work with businesses across Northern Ireland to raise awareness of Charis’ services and encourage support through fundraising, with all funds raised staying in Northern Ireland to help people affected by cancer. Whilst my main focus is building corporate relationships, our small fundraising team work closely together in all areas of fundraising to support both corporate and community events, helping with planning, promotion, marketing resources, and event delivery.
Outside work, my husband and I are kept very busy with four young grandchildren, two dogs and a large garden so we very much enjoy our holidays.
Fundraising Team
I’ve been part of the Fundraising Team at Charis Cancer Care for just under a year, and I love the variety the role brings – no two days are ever the same. My work involves coordinating our calendar of fundraising events and supporting community fundraisers by providing the guidance and resources they need to make their events a success. I also help raise awareness of the charity, our services, activities, and events through both internal and external marketing channels.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is having the opportunity to connect with our supporters, donors, staff and volunteers. Charis Cancer Care is definitely a special place and I hope that in some small way, I am helping people to get the support and help available when they need it most.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, eating out, holidays, but nothing beats curling up on the sofa with a good book or an episode of ER (I do love a good medical drama!)
Administrator
It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to serve as Administrator for Charis Cancer Care since June 2016. Working closely with the management team, I oversee a wide range of administrative responsibilities, including assessing clients’ individual needs and liaising with healthcare professionals to ensure each person receives the appropriate emotional, physical, and psychological support throughout their cancer journey. My role is centred on helping clients including their family members access compassionate care, guidance, and reassurance during what can often be a very challenging time.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my children and grandson. Whenever I can, you’ll usually find me in the garden, embracing the gifts of Mother Earth through quiet mindfulness, reflection, and meditation.
Administration Assistant
Since joining the team at Charis Cancer Care in October 2025 as an Administration Assistant, I’ve found a role that truly feels rewarding and meaningful. With previous experience working for 7 years as a healthcare worker and 10 years as a pharmacy advisor, supporting people has always been at the heart of what I do. My role at Charis is busy and varied, from providing administrative support to welcoming and assisting clients, volunteers and supporters and I love every part of it. Being able to help create a warm, supportive environment for people when they need it most is incredibly rewarding, and working at Charis gives me a real sense of peace and purpose.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me spending time with family and friends, planning my next holiday, squeezing in a gym session, or out exploring beaches and forests with my husband and two dogs. I also love discovering new places for coffee, food and little day adventures whenever I get the chance.
Our focus is on the whole person, their physical, psychological and emotional needs.
