About us Our Team Our Team Our charity is run, operationally and strategically, by a small team of passionate and dedicated employees and trustees, supported by a wonderful community of volunteers and members. We envision a world where Addison’s disease and adrenal insufficiency are recognised early and managed effectively so that anyone affected can live confidently and thrive. Front line Staff Cathy Thompson, Director Cathy joined the charity as Operations Manager in May 2024, moving into a Director role in April 2025. She brings a wide-ranging experience in Operations and management to the team, having worked in similar roles across the Adventure travel, Construction, and Brand/Design industries. She started her career with 7 years as an Occupational Therapist, then Senior OT, working initially for the NHS and then with the Adult and Childrens Disability Team in Surrey County Council before moving to France to live and work for 10 years, which took her career into the direction of Operations management. She works to help the charity to focus on its mission and goals, and to ensure that it runs effectively, efficiently and smoothly behind the scenes, helping drive it forwards to grow its impact for the benefit of the adrenal insufficiency community and all those supporting them. Philippa Sharman, Communications & Health Liaison Manager Philippa was diagnosed with Addison’s in her early teens and has lived with the condition for over 20 years. Due to having further health conditions, Philippa benefited hugely from the charity’s resources, learning first-hand, the knowledge and support needed to manage multiple health conditions from a young age, both in the day-to-day and in an emergency. Wanting to strengthen the ADSHG’s online presence, Philippa volunteered for the charity, setting up and managing their social media accounts for 6 years. Seeing people with Addison’s and adrenal insufficiency alongside medics, sharing news and opinions, engaging and learning, inspired Philippa’s passion to reach and engage with the community. Philippa has participated in NHS research trials to further medical knowledge into Addison’s, is part of guidance and working groups for researchers helping to ensure research aims align with the lived experience, and speaks at events such as the European Society of Endocrinology's first Adrenal Patient Forum. Philippa's highlights include the charity's "Think Addison's" article which featured in The Guardian newspaper, working with RCP Medical Care on steroid-dependent patient safety and leading the ADSHG Paramedic Training sessions. When her head isn’t stuck in a book or computer, she can be found out enjoying long walks with her dog! Chloe Mezzetti, Community Fundraising Manager Chloe has previously volunteered and served as a trustee for the ADSHG, and as someone with firsthand experience of Addison’s, she’s passionate about supporting our community and raising awareness. As a Community Fundraising Manager, she helps fundraisers from concept to completion, offering guidance and support to ensure successful outcomes. She also develops innovative campaigns, including Steps for Addison's Awareness and Addison's Afternoon Tea, to expand the charity’s reach and impact. Chloe's role is diverse and includes supporting local meet-up hosts, writing articles for magazines, assisting at paramedic training sessions and providing social media support. She also contributed as a lay member on the NICE Guidelines for 'Adrenal insufficiency: identification and management', sharing her patient perspective to help shape the standard of care and patient safety for everyone living with Addison's and adrenal insufficiency across the UK. Sophie Dziwinski, Trusts & Grants Manager Sophie joined the charity as Grants & Trusts Manager in April 2025. With over twenty years of experience in the charity sector, she has a strong background in donor relations, programme management, grant-giving and children’s nursing. More recently, Sophie has been managing a research project working closely with clinicians to establish future priority areas and a funding proposition for clinical research into aplastic anaemia, a rare bone marrow failure disease. She has been involved in grants and trusts fundraising throughout her career and is working with us part-time to support the charity by securing resources to further its important work. Charlotte Owst, Social Media Assistant Charlotte was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency a few days after her 16th birthday, following months of being unwell, and has now lived with the condition for over 10 years. She describes joining the ADSHG in July 2025 as a full-circle moment and a hugely positive step in her personal journey with adrenal insufficiency. She studied photography at university and graduated in 2018 with a first-class honours degree. She reflects on this as one of her proudest moments and biggest achievements to date. Managing a complex, long-term health condition whilst studying and working was not without its challenges. Charlotte has worked freelance in digital marketing for several years, in addition to being a part-time personal assistant. She wants to utilise her skills, creativity, and lived experience to continue the charity’s mission of supporting those affected by Addison’s disease and adrenal insufficiency. She knows firsthand how isolating living with the condition can be and wants to help others feel less alone. When she’s not working or resting, you can usually find Charlotte on a long walk with her rescue dog, catching up with family over coffee or with her head in a book. Marianne Baker, Membership Support We are thrilled to have Marianne working with us on a temporary and part-time basis with the ADSHG, covering a maternity leave. With a background in architecture, administration and education, Marianne is ably supporting our membership with queries and concerns, as well as managing our shop enquiries. When she is not working as part of our team, she is a Student Success Advisory at the University of Bath, where she is passionate about the development and delivery of quality educational opportunities; opportunities that empower and inspire all. Board of Trustees The charity is governed by and receives strategic direction from an experienced team of volunteer trustees in accordance with our constitution. Dominic Hargreaves, Chair of Trustees I was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease in 2004, after a three year battle with a variety of “illnesses” – all whilst operating in Army roles in remote, hostile and austere areas of the world, with little continuity of medical care. A British GP observed that my medical file was very thick and her feeling was that the doctors were missing something. She took decisive action which has ultimately saved my life! My diagnosis with this chronic illness led to me being effectively discharged from the military after 23 years, in pursuit of a new career. Since my diagnosis I have managed my health actively and that has allowed me to pursue a new career in business and engineering. I have been a Trustee with the Charity since 2019, and Chairman since April 2022. The Charity is very important to me in that it enabled me to recover my confidence to live my life to the full, after diagnosis. This was through the web forum, general meetings, Newsletters and informal gatherings of people with Addison's. I enjoy the opportunity to put back into the organisation, and work with a similarly motivated set of Trustees and staff. Even now, 21 years after diagnosis, I learn every time I meet other Addison’s patients about my day-to-day and emergency management of this rare condition. I am also enjoying the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the world on Addison’s Disease on a regular basis and shape the future of research from a patient’s perspective. Stuart Pinkerton, Honorary Treasurer I am a Dental Surgeon based in Oxfordshire where I have practised for the bulk of my professional career. I have two boys, who are both based in London. In my career patients with Adrenal insufficiency were rare, but if they attended for treatment, proper assessment was required to determine appropriate treatment and care. We were more likely to see patients on short/medium-term corticosteroids. I have only had two patients with Addison's disease. So, although Dentists are trained in managing patients with adrenal insufficiency, it was unlikely to be an issue within general dental practice. In 2010, one of my family members was diagnosed with Addison's. The diagnosis was slow, and Addison's disease was never included in the differential diagnosis. From the day of diagnosis forward, it was a long hard uphill trip to stability and a normal life. For me the lack of information on the NHS website was depressing. It was minimal and negative. Our consultant advised me to seek out the ADSHG; I can honestly say that it transformed our lives. The depth of information, support and positive stories made us realise that it was treatable and that life could be normal. I attended my first AGM in 2011 and found it a great help. However, I felt I could do more. As my boys left school, I felt I was able to give time to the Charity. In 2018 I became a trustee and in 2019, the Honorary Treasurer. The Charity has grown and has become an important part of the adrenal insufficiency community. I attend quarterly trustee and Finance committee meetings and Dom and I join a weekly Ops meeting. Sometimes it feels like a full-time job, but as I see what the Charity does, I have no regrets. I'm extremely proud of the Charity, and I believe we can do so much more. Our team: Cathy, Phillipa, Chloe, Trustees, Noel, Alison and all volunteers are a joy to work with. Christine Walters Married with 3 sons, I have been a Director of our business since 1995. I work alongside my husband and our fantastic team at the electronic components business we run, based in South Wales. My son was diagnosed with Addison's disease 5 years ago after a period of feeling very unwell. I joined the ADSHG immediately after the endocrine nurse mentioned the self-help group whilst my son was an inpatient being stabilised on his meds. I needed to know more about his condition. As they say, knowledge is power. The help and support that I received as a Mum was invaluable. What I learn from the forum and at conferences I 'drip-feed' to my son until he is ready to learn about and accept the condition himself. I help at the conferences in Birmingham, Cardiff and Harrogate and always attend the AGM and help where I am needed there. In my previous job, I was a Medical Representative for a pharmaceutical company and so I felt able and confident enough to help on the Addison's stall, speaking to both doctors and nurses. I love to talk!! I am passionate about wanting to tell new Doctors the symptoms of the disease as 4 Doctors missed the symptoms that my son was showing; he is so lucky to be alive. And yet, 3 weeks before he was diagnosed, a 13 year old girl died from undiagnosed Addison's in the same hospital. I am passionate about helping wherever I can with the ADSHG. Lisa Shepherd, RN (Adult), MSc, BSc (Hons), Dip H.E, NMP. Endocrinology Advanced Nurse Practitioner, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. HEE/NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow, University of Birmingham. Lisa has worked in endocrinology since 1999, and currently is lead Advanced Nurse Practitioner at HSG, now part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Within this role she case load manages patients with endocrine disorders, running nurse led clinics and supporting Consultant and other multidisciplinary clinics. This includes diagnosis and performing dynamic function tests, treatment, management and education of patients with long term, highly complex needs. Her area of interest is adrenal insufficiency and the support and management of patients with this condition. Her research has looked at the knowledge and experience of patients with Addison ’s disease and this work is being further developed during her PhD. She is also an active member of the Society for Endocrinology (SfE) Nurse Committee since 2007, including Chair, and an executive board member of the Federation of International Nurses in Endocrinology (F.I.N.E.). She is a member of the ADSHG and is passionate about improving the care of patients with Addison’s disease, working with patients their relatives and healthcare professionals to achieve this. Dr Alessandro Prete Dr Alessandro Prete completed his training in Endocrinology and Diabetes in Rome, Italy. Since 2018, he is a Diabetes UK Sir George Alberti Research Fellow in the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research at the University of Birmingham, UK, and an Honorary Consultant Endocrinologist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. His research focuses on functioning adrenal tumours, cortisol excess and novel therapies for adrenal insufficiency, combining clinical trials and experimental medicine studies. Alessandro was elected as a trustee in July 2022 and also sits on the ADSHG Clinical Advisory Panel Robert McClements Robert is a career banking professional who has successfully led teams in that complex environment. “I have worked in challenging corporate situations where leadership and organisational skills have been paramount. As a member of a bank’s senior leadership team, I link the bank's Board and key staff - always with a view to improving both the business and customer service. I am very keen on this opportunity to use these corporate skills and my experience to benefit ADSHG at board level. The organisation is close to my heart as my daughter is affected by Addison's Disease and so I know how important the charity's information and support services are to both member patients and the medical profession. I look forward to making a difference as an elected trustee. “ Tom Barnes Tom is a Civil Servant in a central government department and brings experience leading teams across a range of health and complex regulatory policy areas. Tom says “the Addisons Disease Self Help Group provided me with invaluable support when I had a temporary form of adrenal insufficiency a few years ago. I’m pleased to join the ADSHG as a trustee, and look forward to working with the staff and volunteers here to support others with Addison’s disease & adrenal insuffiency and their families” Tom hopes to bring his skills in policy, strategy and cross-sector working to support the work at the ADSHG. Martin Hendry Martin Hendry is from Scotland and lives with his wife Cheryl and two children, Ava & Noah, in Glasgow. He was diagnosed with Addison's Disease in 2021 following illness and then an undiagnosed adrenal crisis. Adapting to life with long term chronic illness, whilst trying to raise a family and work full time has been a big challenge. ADSHG was a great resource for support and helped him adjust to life with Addison’s. He says, “ADSHG has been a massive help to me. Now I want to try and help others who are going through a similar journey. As a new member of the board of trustees and our only Scottish representative, I want to promote the great work of this charity and help support our Scottish members.” Martin currently works as a chartered financial planner and has worked in financial services for over 13 years. Prior to this he worked as a private sector economist. He hopes to bring some of the skills from his 20-year career and use them to benefit the ADSHG. He has particular experience in managing financials, project management and stakeholder engagement, all of which should be in handy in the role of trustee! Katie Harris Originally from Ireland, although now living in Brazil, Katie was diagnosed with Addison's Disease after a sudden adrenal crisis in 2021 during her nursing career. "Adjusting to this new reality as a young adult was challenging for me and the Addison's Disease Self-Help Group was my anchor during that time. It really helped me to feel educated, reassured and in touch with others so I didn’t feel as isolated. Now, as a new member of the board of trustees, since 2024, I’m excited to give back to this incredible community! I love to do meditation, yoga, and breathwork—practices that have become pillars in my own journey after diagnosis. I also love hiking in nature, cooking and travelling! I am recently engaged to my fiancé and excited to plan the future together! My years as a nurse and three years in social media marketing with my own business has given me varied and very relevant experiences which I hope to use as a trustee member to support the charity. I am passionate about showing people that this diagnosis doesn’t have to limit your dreams. Whether you want to travel, start a business, or live your life to your full potential, you can achieve your goals with the right support, mindset and preparation! Benjamin Ducaseau I am a Paediatric Nurse based in Aberdeen, and my decision to pursue nursing was shaped by my own diagnosis of Addison’s disease as a teenager. With first-hand experience of the challenges this condition can bring, I am committed to supporting others through both my professional role and personal perspective. Through the ADSHG, I hope to contribute to improving understanding, management, and quality of life for those affected. Ryan Richardson I am an Associate Director of Business Operations with broad experience across strategy, planning, legal and compliance, IT, data and digital, and internal audit. I began my career as an Architect before transitioning into project management and operational leadership roles. For the past 11 years, I have worked at EngineeringUK (The Engineering and Technology Board), and prior to that I held roles at the Stroke Association, CRASH (The Construction Industry’s Charity), and within the construction sector. I am also a Trustee of another charity focusing on the environment and supporting those in need. I was diagnosed with Addison's disease in 2018 in 'crisis' in St George's Hospital, Tooting, after two years of feeling unwell. It then took me a few years to really start to feel like myself again. The charity was a lifeline for me during this time, and I really wanted to become involved to give back. I am delighted to be a Trustee of this fantastic organsiation and I look forward to supporting wherever I can in the future. I am from Northern Ireland originally, but have been in London for the past 14 years, where I live in Richmond with my partner Alex. We are also fortunate to be supported by other important and valued individuals and groups: Deana Kenward, Patron & Founder The ADSHG was founded in 1984 by Deana Kenward on her dining room table, following her diagnosis of Addison's Disease. She arranged member meetings, initially local to where she lived, but she soon took these nationally and then internationally as people from across the globe sought information and support. Over the following years, the organisation has grown to over 2300 members, and is now an internationally recognised patient support and advocacy group with a flourishing, engaged adrenal insufficiency community. Deana was awarded an MBE in 2012 for her work for the charity. Deana's Story ADSHG Clinical Advisory Panel The Addison's Clinical Advisory Panel (CAP) is a group of endocrinologists across a wide range of health care professions, with an interest in adrenal medicine. We are fortunate to have representation from consultants, a GP, nurses, a pharmacist and a dentist. They advise the ADSHG on its clinical guidelines, write medical commentaries and review our publications for us. The Clinical Advisory Panel are led by Professor John Wass of the Churchill Hospital, Oxford. Our Clinical Advisors Alison Mainwaring, Enquiries Diagnosed with Addison’s in 2009 after her GP picked up on an 'out of character' mention of fatigue, Alison was advised by her consultant to join ADSHG. There she found accurate, straightforward advice and a ready-made community of supportive, experienced members. Soon after joining, Alison started to volunteer for the charity in working groups, at conferences and managing the Enquiries email inbox. She is also a panel member on our Paramedic CPD Training webinars. Alison brings her warmth, empathy and her lived experiences to her roles and is a much valued team member. Make an Enquiry Our Charitable Constitution Our charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) regulated by the Charity Commission. The charity is run in accordance with our constitution for the benefit of people affected by Addison's Disease in the United Kingdom. Together we will improve the lives of those with Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency! 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