Staff

Naomi Atkin

CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

Naomi joined the charity in 2016, after a number of years working in Students’ Unions in Manchester and Birmingham. Having grown up in Shrewsbury, she is enjoying life working back in her home community after 12 years away.

“It is a real privilege to lead the staff team in a charity that makes a real difference here in Shropshire, Telford, and Mid Wales. I am really proud of what we have achieved in the last ten years; we have moved away from being a somewhat passive funder of equipment and buildings, to a genuine partner with our own vision for the future of support for people living with cancer. With the huge support of our fundraising community, we have quadrupled our income since 2016, and this allows us to put so much more back into enhancing cancer service and improving lives for people across the region.”

Emma Backhouse

COO (Chief Operating Officer)

Emma joined the Lingen Davies team as Acting Chief Executive Officer in February 2023, covering Naomi’s maternity leave. After a successful and highly enjoyable year in post, Emma was delighted to be able to stay with the charity in her new role of Chief Operating Officer.

Trustees introduced this role as a key part of the wider strategic development and organisational growth of the charity. Emma is here to ensure the charity is efficient, compliant and fit for an exciting future, as we continue to develop the relationships we build with partners, the services we deliver, the programmes we support, and the fundraising we undertake. She is passionate about the Lingen Davies wellbeing programme, and keen to ensure as many of our local community are able to benefit from our services as possible.

Emma has a wealth of skills, experience and knowledge, with previous roles within the Dept. of Health & Social Care and the NHS, working at a national level on urgent and emergency care performance, and quality improvement programmes.

In her own time, Emma enjoys a range of health and wellbeing activities, including open water swimming, jogging, and lifting weights.

“I am proud to be a part of this dynamic and eager team. While we recognise and celebrate the charity’s impact to date, we are also looking to the future and ensuring we are in the best shape possible to serve our growing population.”

Louise Dawson

Head of Finance and Compliance

Louise’s career with Lingen Davies began in September 2004 when she worked as a fundraising officer in the then very small team. In 2012 Louise took on the role of Fundraising Manager, she has since gone on to become the charity’s Operations Manager and following the completion of her Level 3 AAT in Accounting is now Head of Finance and Compliance. After seeing vast growth over the last 20+ years – both in income and the size of  the team – there’s really very little Louise doesn’t know about Lingen Davies.

“I love the local feel to the charity, that local people can see where the money is being spent in their area. I’ve met so many fabulous supporters over the years and have seen such incredible development in terms of what we deliver and fund, it’s been a privilege to see the growth so far and I am tremendously excited about what’s to come as Lingen Davies approaches its 50th year.”

Lorna Green

Office Manager

Lorna joined the team in August 2025 after working with the administrative management team in the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. After seeing the impact cancer has on people and their families on a daily basis, she was inspired to transition over to the charity to do what she can to support her community.

Through her previous role and experience, Lorna saw first hand how impactful the services and projects provided by Lingen Davies Cancer Support are in supporting people in the region living with a cancer diagnosis.

“I’m delighted to be part of a charity that is so deeply valued and respected within the community.  The vital work we do to support people living with cancer and beyond inspires me every day and I’m so proud to play a part in a charity dedicated to improving services and experiences for those affected by cancer.”

Lou Childs

Charity Administrator

Judy Ingman

Finance Assistant

For the last 4 years, Judy has been working for a local charity in Telford and has since decided to join the team here at Lingen Davies.

Following on from her own cancer diagnosis, she received treatment at the Lingen Davies Centre at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, and has participated in various activities from the Wellbeing Programme.

Having personally benefited from the support offered by Lingen Davies, Judy understands the importance of the work carried out by the charity and welcomes the opportunity to help make a positive difference to local lives affected by cancer.

In her spare time, Judy enjoys reading, walking and cold water swimming – a hobby which was introduced by joining the cold water swimming group at Alderford lake, a part of the Lingen Davies Wellbeing Programme, as well as being a part of the Titty Dippers, a group who took a plunge in the Irish Sea on New Year’s Day to raise money for the charity.

Anna Williams

Head of Communications

Anna joined Lingen Davies in April 2021 and has developed communications and marketing to ensure the good work of the charity, and the stories of those impacted by cancer, reach as many people as possible.

With a background in journalism and PR Anna actually started writing about Lingen Davies when she lead the Shrewsbury Chronicle’s weekly charity page, which at that time focussed on raising £3.2million for the build of the Cancer Centre.

“It is such a vital charity to so many local people. I love being able to shout about our work, publicise our events, and most importantly share the stories of our amazing supporters. I am really excited to be part of this dedicated and driven team.”

If you have a story to share or would like some publicity for an upcoming fundraising event contact Anna on [email protected] or on 01743 492396.

Emilie Kerr

Events and Marketing Coordinator

Emilie joined Lingen Davies in September 2022 after spending the past four years working in the property sector. In her role, Emilie provides marketing and communications support across the charity to ensure the work of Lingen Davies is heard far and wide.

Since joining the team, Emilie has completed an Award in Marketing and has been shortlisted for a national communications award – Charity Comms ‘Rising Star’.

“Being part of charity that makes such a huge impact to people locally is something very special. I’m very fortunate to have met lots of inspiring people who’s experiences have been made better as a result of the equipment, technology or community projects that have been funded by Lingen Davies.”

Emilie is a keen baker and enjoys playing netball in her spare time.

Freya Morris

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Pip Greenroyd

Digital Projects Coordinator

Pip joined the team in August 2025, bringing her experience from roles within marketing, publishing, AV installation and recruitment. Having taken part in fundraising events for the charity, Pip was inspired to get more involved and is passionate about helping make a difference in the community, particularly by raising awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and prevention.

“Joining Lingen Davies is such an exciting step for me, providing the opportunity to promote a positive difference to lives affected by cancer in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Mid Wales.”

A self-proclaimed foodie, Pip loves discovering new restaurants and cuisines, as well as experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. When she’s not at home cuddling her cats, you’ll often find her traversing the beautiful Shropshire hills, sat in a fancy coffee shop, or rink side at a Telford Tigers ice hockey match.

Steph Smith

Head of Philanthropy

Steph joined the team in September 2024, bringing ten years’ of fundraising experience. She’ll inspire you to raise funds with her infectious enthusiasm and passion for the cause and is always looking to build meaningful connections and partnerships with local businesses and philanthropists.

“I take great pride in representing Lingen Davies, I’m continually inspired by the work that we do and the reputation we continue to uphold, after 45 years.”

The opportunity to give back to my community and make a positive difference to lives affected by cancer in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales, motivates me every day.”

Steph is always up for a challenge, having completed a 10km run in Uganda & 100km of the Camino de Santiago, so we’re keen to see where her next adventure takes her!

She’s a keen foodie and has become our go-to for local food and drink recommendations. She also regularly practices yoga, so our gentle yoga and tai- chi classes for patients are something she really advocates for. Steph would love to share the impact of our work first-hand, so if you’re interested in supporting a specific project or event, or getting your colleagues involved with fundraising – she’d love to hear from you: [email protected]

Sophie Crockford

Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser

Sophie joined the Lingen Davies team in June 2025, taking on the role of Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser. In this position, she is responsible for researching funding opportunities, writing grant applications and building strong relationships with charitable trusts and foundations.

Whilst completing her degree in English and Sociology, Sophie was an active member of a performing arts society and used her free time to volunteer at a refugee charity. Sophie recently worked as a fundraiser for a local charity where she supported with events and direct marketing, and worked closely with supporters. Outside of work she enjoys meeting new people and travelling, as well as attending dance classes.

“I am so pleased to be part of the team at Lingen Davies, a charity that holds a much-loved and respected place in the community. I am highly motivated by the vital work Lingen Davies does in supporting people living with and beyond cancer. Being part of a charity with such a strong commitment to enhancing the experience of those affected by cancer is incredibly inspiring.”

Sarah Lean-Williams

Corporate Fundraiser

Claire Purcell

Head of Community Fundraising

Karen Roberts

Community Fundraiser

Before starting at Lingen Davies, Karen was no stranger to the charity having taken part in a number of fundraising initiatives for us. After retiring from her own driving instructor business teaching people around Oswestry for more than 30 years, Karen was initially tempted back into work by taking on maternity cover for, however she has know been with us for over 3 years!

By her own admission Karen says she is ‘slightly mad, very active, and finds it very difficult to do nothing’!

Angela Hill

Community Fundraiser - In Memory Liaison

Angela has been involved with the charity since undergoing her own cancer diagnosis and treatment. After joining as a volunteer, Angela and her sister Caroline were then asked to head up the Shrewsbury Fundraising Committee – with great success.

Angela is now part of the staff team too as one of our Community Fundraisers working within the Fundraising Team. She is responsible for looking after third parties who contact us with regards to arranging a fundraising event. Angela supports them in doing this and providing promotional material, posters and general advice. She loves engaging with our supporters and finding out the reason for them fundraising for Lingen Davies and believes it is a very rewarding job and enjoys meeting lots of lovely people.

“I’m really eager to work with everyone in the wider community to support their fundraising efforts, and work alongside local funeral directors and help people at a time when they need as much support as possible. In memory donations are a very sensitive subject and I know from my own experience how important it is to have someone to talk to.“

Andy Mackay

Community Fundraiser

Andy brings many years of experience working in the charity sector, alongside a personal understanding of the impact cancer can have. Having experienced cancer first‑hand, he knows just how vital fundraising is in supporting people and families when they need it most.

He is a real people person and a self-proclaimed chatterbox, so getting out into the community is something Andy really enjoys. Outside of work, he loves spending time gardening and being outdoors with his dog.

Andy is excited to be part of Lingen Davies and is really looking forward to being involved in lots of amazing things.

Verity Llewelyn-Jones

Fundraising Assistant

Verity joined the team in March 2026, bringing over eight years’ experience supporting the fundraising department of a heritage and education charity. With a strong background in administration, she has worked across a diverse range of organisations, from a charity in the Lake District, education in Hereford to roles in Fleet Street and in France.

Now settled back in her home county of Shropshire, Verity is enthusiastic about supporting the Lingen Davies fundraising team and helping to make a positive difference to the lives of people affected by cancer locally. Her commitment to the cause is informed by personal experience, including seeing first‑hand the benefits of early diagnosis and the impact of compassionate care, making the charity’s work feel more vital than ever.

“I am delighted to joining the fundraising team and contributing to making a positive difference to the lives of people affected by cancer in Shropshire. With first hand knowledge of the benefits of early diagnosis, and how to live beyond treatment, the work is as vital as ever.”

Outside of work, Verity enjoys social tennis, swimming, cooking, and spending time in the countryside.

Miranda Ashwell

Head of Services

Miranda joined the team in 2020 having had a wide-ranging career as a teacher in the UK and Botswana, as well as a community development worker and 16 years as a Public Health lead in Shropshire, working for both the NHS and the local authority.

As Lingen Davies’ LiveLife Project Lead, Miranda’s role focuses on raising awareness of cancer prevention and early diagnosis, through our LiveLife Community Awareness programme and our Shropshire, Telford, and Powys Cancer Champions programme.

“I’m really motivated to make a positive difference: the work of my team is to raise awareness of the importance of recognising and reporting early signs and symptoms, because getting an early diagnosis means treatment can be most effective. I lost both my parents to cancer, and like many of us have friends and family whose lives are deeply affected by cancer, so the work of Lingen Davies is very close to my heart.”

Miranda is an enthusiastic bee-keeper, gardener and mountain walker.

Hannah Mcgonagle

LiveLife Project Coordinator

Hannah has previously worked in a variety of community‑focused roles, including eight years with a heritage charity caring for the nation’s heritage, supporting a local wildlife trust to raise awareness of climate change, and working with volunteers at a local refugee charity. All of these roles involved engaging with the general public and building awareness around important causes.

Helen Davies

Powys Cancer Champions Coordinator

Helen is the Powys Cancer Champions Coordinator. She has a nursing background and prior to joining Lingen Davies Cancer Support was proud to work in several nursing roles including cancer support.

Helen has enjoyed being part of the Lingen Davies team since March 2023. Her LiveLife role involves raising awareness of cancer signs and symptoms and the importance of cancer screening throughout the region as well as training and supporting the fantastic Powys Cancer Champions.

When not at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and walks in the countryside on the Shropshire/Powys borders.

“I am pleased to be able to contribute to raising awareness of cancer signs and symptoms and the importance of cancer screening throughout our region, with the help of the Lingen Davies Cancer Champions.’’

James Turner

Grants and Projects Coordinator

James joined the Lingen Davies team in June 2025 as Grants and Projects Coordinator. In this role, he will be supporting people with the grants process from initial query through to evaluation and monitoring.

James has a varied background, including data analysis in the NHS, teaching English as a foreign language, and working for a local non-profit organisation campaigning for better ageing experiences for LGBT+ people.

Originally from Telford, he’s lived in both the north and south of England, as well as abroad, but is now back in lovely Shropshire.

“Cancer isn’t just about chemo and radiotherapy, it can impact on people’s lives in all kinds of unexpected ways. But there are lots of services out there that can provide support, big and small. Part of my job will be ensuring that we continue to find great partners and help them provide services for people living with and beyond cancer.”