Meet The Team – James Turner

Our July ‘Meet the Team’ blog brings us over to our Grants and Projects Coordinator, James Turner, who started working at Lingen Davies Cancer Support in June 2025 and has been a valued member of the team ever since.

How long have you worked at Lingen Davies?

“I joined the team last June, which means I’ve been here for over 12 months!”

“These days, you’re more likely to find me running online games or at some nerdy event, like this sci-fi convention.”What does a typical day look like?

“My role exists to make sure our trustees have what they need to make good funding decisions, including reporting back to them on how funded activities, such as the Wellbeing Programme, are going.

“I also work with colleagues to keep paperwork relating to our grants in order, ensure providers are paid on time, and share information and stories about the amazing work the charity is funding.

“My usual day involves lots of heads down work – replying to emails and responding to queries from current and prospective providers and programme participants. Occasionally, I go along to support groups, networking events, and our funded activities to meet people and chat about Lingen Davies Cancer Support and our work.”

What is your favourite part about working on this team?

“It’s always a privilege to meet the people that charity is supporting. They’re always so generous in sharing their stories of how cancer has affected their lives which I think is really important because it can help others know that they are not alone.

“I never fail to be amazed at how resilient people are,” he added.

“Colleagues can’t believe I had long hair in the 90s…and I’d rather forget. Here’s me receiving an NVQ certificate from the mayor of Telford in 1994.”

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“I had no idea back then – and probably still don’t now! I’ve just learnt to say ‘yes’ and see where it leads.”  

What was your very first job?

“I worked in the stores at the charity where my mum worked. I’ve done lots of jobs since then – shop assistant, data analyst, English language teacher, web developer…

“I never expected to circle back round to working in the charity world, but here we are!”

What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?

“There are too many things to choose just one. Maybe ‘work with integrity’ – if you say you’re going to do something, do it. I don’t always manage it, but I do my best! Also, I think ‘lift others up with you’. When I hear about good work that other people are doing, I try and share it. You never know what it will lead to.”

Tell us something people might not know about you…

“I’ve lived in quite a few places – Telford, Shrewsbury, Lancaster, London. But I have to say, I loved my six years teaching English in Greece. What an incredible country, people, history, and language. And best of all – the food!”

“These days, you’re more likely to find me running online games or at some nerdy event, like this sci-fi convention.”