Nick Maskell

Nick Maskell is a Professor of Respiratory Medicine at University of Bristol (UoB) and Honorary Consultant Chest Physician at North Bristol NHS Trust. He was appointed as a consultant there in 2004. He leads the pleural service at Southmead hospital and is the head of the Academic Respiratory Unit at UoB.

He has a major interest in mesothelioma, running a tertiary mesothelioma clinic and chairing the weekly regional mesothelioma MDT. He chaired the current BTS mesothelioma guideline group and was on the committee for the ERS mesothelioma guidelines. He is also a co-chair of the current BTS pleural disease guidelines (2023) and was an advisor to the NPSA on pleural safety matters related to pleural interventions.

He has been the senior author in large published randomised controlled trials in mesothelioma that have led to changes in practice. He also is a co-founder of the Avon Mesothelioma Foundation (AMF), a local charity supporting mesothelioma research and patient care.

Alida Coates

Alida is a solicitor with Irwin Mitchell LLP, specialising in asbestos related diseases claims. She has 30 years’ experience helping those diagnosed with mesothelioma (and other asbestos illnesses) gain access to compensation and is considered an expert in this area with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by her clients. Alida has been a Trustee of Mesothelioma UK since 2009.

Amanda Jones

Amanda is a partner at Thompsons Solicitors with over 25 years of experience representing individuals and families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses in their legal claims.

She collaborates with numerous trade unions across the UK, regularly delivering educational seminars on legal issues to trade union members, representatives and medical professionals.

Recognised as one of the UK’s leading legal experts in asbestos claims by both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners directories, Amanda has spoken at the House of Parliament on the urgent need to remove asbestos from public buildings, including schools and hospitals. She continues to campaign passionately for this cause.

Craig Evans

Craig Evans joins the Mesothelioma UK board of trustees, bringing a wealth of experience in asbestos safety and prevention. As the Chief Operating Officer of the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA), Craig has been pivotal in setting the highest standards for asbestos training delivered through a trusted network of highly competent members. UKATA is recognised as a mark of excellence in the industry, ensuring that asbestos is managed safely and effectively.

Craig’s extensive background in management, operations, and strategic planning has significantly enhanced UKATA’s efficiency and reputation. Coupled with his expertise in marketing, exhibitions, and events, he has raised the association’s profile over the past 15 years. His strategic approach to increasing visibility and engagement will be instrumental for Mesothelioma UK, helping the charity reach a wider audience and enhance awareness and support for its crucial work.

In addition to his management and operational skills, Craig brings valuable industry contacts and a growing network of international members. He sits on several influential boards and networks, supporting efforts to engage more stakeholders and attract additional resources for Mesothelioma UK. His focus on building strong relationships and promoting the charity aligns with Mesothelioma UK’s mission to improve treatment and care for mesothelioma patients while also emphasising preventive measures.

Craig’s contributions as a trustee will be characterised by his dedication to expanding the charity’s reach and impact, benefiting patients and their families across the UK.

Kate Williams

Kate Williams was diagnosed with multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma in 2017 and underwent cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC at Basingstoke. After two years of clear scans, she has some recurrence.

Kate worked in BBC Radio for more than 20 years before joining the University of Northampton to lecture in journalism. She retired from her post as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology in 2022 and now undertakes some work for the Broadcast Journalism Training Council as a senior accreditation adviser.

Kevin Blyth

Kevin is Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Glasgow and has a wealth of experience and knowledge of mesothelioma treatment and research.

Kevin is Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the CRUK Scotland Centre and leads the Glasgow Pleural Disease Unit based at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. He founded and is Director of the Macmillan Scottish Mesothelioma Network, which coordinates clinical care and trials for mesothelioma patients in Scotland. He leads a translational research programme focused on pleural disease, and in particular, mesothelioma.

He was Chief Investigator of the DIAPHRAGM study, which was the largest prospective biomarker study ever performed in mesothelioma. He is also Chief Investigator of the PREDICT-Meso (Pre-malignant drivers combined with target-drug validation in mesothelioma) International Accelerator Network which has brought together more than 120 investigators in 88 institutions across 14 countries to deliver five integrated work-packages, generate new knowledge, new pre-clinical and clinical tools and ultimately new therapies ready for human trials.

Kevin was previously Chair of the European Respiratory Society Pleural Malignancy Group and has excellent clinical and translational research links.

In addition to his years of experience, Kevin already has a well established and productive working relationship with Mesothelioma UK and will be an asset to the board, helping the charity to reach its goals of improving treatment and care for mesothelioma patients.

Lorraine Creech

Lorraine retired after a distinguished 47-year career in the NHS. Before retiring, she held senior roles as the Macmillan Lung Cancer Lead Clinician at East Cheshire NHS Trust and Head of Nursing at Mesothelioma UK. She holds a master’s degree in the Medical Ethics of Cancer and Palliative Care, along with MSc-level qualifications in clinical examination and diagnostics. Additionally, she completed the National Cancer Leadership Programme.

Lorraine was the first nurse to join the British Thoracic Society Lung Cancer Working Party, served as the Lead Mesothelioma Nurse for the Greater Manchester Cancer Network, and was honoured with the first lifetime achievement award from Lung Cancer Nursing UK in 2016.

Mike Lind

Emeritus Professor of Oncology University of Hull

Mike qualified from Guy’s in 1981. He received his training in medical oncology at Guy’s, the Christie and Newcastle. He was appointed to his first consultant post in Newcastle in 1992 where he first became involved in the care of mesothelioma patients.

In 1998, Mike took the post of foundation Professor of Oncology at the University of Hull. In this post he developed a research programme in mesothelioma and had several research studentships and grants.

Mike has also been responsible for developing a joint MDT involving Hull, York, Scunthorpe and Grimsby. During this time, he has also helped to develop an oncogeriatric service with associated research programmes.

Simon Purves

Simon became a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse in 1982. He later served as a Director at HSBC Investment Bank and as the Chief Financial Officer of Eversholt Rail Group. After losing a close friend to Mesothelioma in 2014, Simon has actively participated in fundraising for Mesothelioma UK. He is now thrilled to contribute his business management expertise to support the charity.

Graham Gould

Through my work with Thermal Recycling, I became aware of Mesothelioma UK at industry events and was amazed that so few businesses in the asbestos management industry support the amazing work carried out by Mesothelioma UK in clinical research, treatment and care. It seemed to be a natural fit to support Mesothelioma UK and I’m committed to helping the team to target and increase donations from the corporate sector. I can hopefully bring a different commercial perspective to the board of Trustees and am flattered to be asked to join this incredible team.

Thermal Recycling is developing the world’s first large-scale, commercially viable plant for the thermal destruction of asbestos. Graham has worked with Thermal Recycling for seven years since originally being invited to join the company as a Non-Executive Chairman. He brings over 40 years business experience as a founder, owner and Board member of SMEs in different sectors. His experience includes corporate strategy, fund management, property investment and development, and asbestos management.