Staff

Janis Hickey BA

Janis was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and thyroid eye disease in 1984, an experience that led her to set up the BTF in 1991. She was BTF’s volunteer National Coordinator until 2001 when she left her job at Leeds University and became employed as Director of the BTF. In 1996 Janis was presented with a Yorkshire Woman of Achievement Community Award for having set up the BTF.

Janis says, ‘Stepping back from the day-to-day tasks it’s very interesting to see how far we have travelled since 1991. When BTF was in its infancy patient support groups were few and far between, and there was quite a gap between patients’ and doctors’ perspectives. I’d like to think that we have played a part in bridging that gap, in the thyroid world at least!’

Cheryl McMullan

Cheryl began working at BTF in February 2008 as the Personal Assistant to Janis Hickey, the Director. Cheryl’s role is often varied and extremely interesting juggling membership, office management, accounting and managing medical queries with never a dull moment.

Cheryl says, 'The office has a good team of both staff and volunteers. We are all kept very busy, but the atmosphere is great. I have worked in administration for most of my working life taking a break to have my three children. I find it very rewarding to work for the BTF and support people with this very complex disorder. I do not have a thyroid disorder, but in my time here I have learnt so much about the thyroid and find there is something new to learn everyday'.

Jennifer Linley

Jennifer, a grandmother and retired clerical worker, was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid several years ago. Happily, this is kept under control with levothyroxine. She joined as a member after seeing the BTF address in a book about thyroid problems, and after she retired, offered her services as a volunteer. When a position came up for a clerical assistant she applied for the position, and here she is!

Jennifer says, 'It can be quite hectic in the office at times, but the work is varied and interesting, and the most satisfying part is talking to members of the public, and Foundation members, who ring us asking for advice about how to deal with thyroid disorders'.

Donna Reed BA MA

Donna began working with the BTF in January 2010 as a volunteer. She has now joined the staff as Project Facilitator. Donna had her thyroid removed in 2001 due to a multi-nodular goitre and now takes levothyroxine. As Project Facilitator, Donna works with project coordinators and group members to facilitate tasks set out by the group.

Donna says, 'I very much enjoy the work I do here at BTF. It is important work and makes a difference in so many people’s lives. Everyone I’ve met here at the BTF is dedicated to making it a quality patient organisation'.

Volunteers

Jan Ainscough

Jan has been coming to help out in the BTF office since 2002. She originally started by helping to pack Christmas card orders. For a long time now she has been checking the bank statements against the membership database so that we know who has paid their subs. Jan has secondary hypothyroidism as a result of radiotherapy after a mastectomy 16 years ago. Jan says, 'It took many months for the blood test readings to confirm the condition, but it is reasonably under control'.

Katharine Jeans

Katharine has been volunteering in the BTF office since 2010. She assists our staff one morning a week by handling mail and sending out information to our members and those who request information by telephone. Katharine is a retired music teacher and was diagnosed with Graves’ disease when she was younger. In addition to thyroid disease, she also has coeliac disease that is genetically linked to hyperthyroidism. Katharine had a partial thyroidectomy and takes levothyroxine while her coeliac condition can only be treated with a gluten-free diet. 'I really enjoy the hectic life in the office responding to thyroid patients, providing information packs, and dealing with mail requests.'

Nick Balmforth

Nick recently graduated from University of Birmingham in Economics. He has volunteered for BTF since 2009 during summer and winter breaks from university. Nick became interested in volunteering because of his interest in doing charity work, but also receiving a good foundation in office work at the same time.

Angela Hammond

Angela has been volunteering in our office since 2009. In the past she has been a BTF Local Group Coordinator and is now a volunteer telephone contact. Angela works one day a week handling mail, sending out information, and answering the phone. As a result of a BTF meeting some years ago, Angela gained information that allowed her to advocate for herself and receive the proper treatment and care for her hypothyroidism.