Our people

Meet our trustees

The EHE Rare Cancer Charity (UK) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with Charity Registration No. 1162472. The Charity is run by a Board of  Trustees, shown below, as stated in its Foundation Constitution.

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Hugh Leonard

Hugh Leonard

Real name: 
Hugh Leonard
Chair of Trustees

Hugh is a senior executive of a small independent oil and gas company based in London. Hugh is an ardent supporter of the EHE cause and brings significant drive and organisational skills to the charity, backed up by more than 30 years of corporate experience and operations, including governance and statutory reporting requirements. He is married with three children.

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Jeff Collins

Jeff Collins

Real name: 
Jeff Collins
Trustee

Jeff is a Canadian Chartered Accountant and CFO of an oil and gas company. Jeff has previously served as Treasurer for a Canadian national environmental charity based in Ottawa. He brings a detailed knowledge of accounting, reporting and financial governance to the Board of Trustees, coupled with his natural drive and enthusiasm. He is married with three children.

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Kate Hooper

Kate Hooper

Real name: 
Kate Hooper
Trustee

Kate has a doctorate in Developmental Genetics. She has extensive experience in academic publishing, as an editor of biomedical journals. Kate brings a strong understanding of biomedical research, as well as experience of the peer-review, funding and grant application process. She is married with two children and is based in London.

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Elizabeth Milligan

Elizabeth Milligan

Real name: 
Elizabeth Milligan
Trustee

A biochemist by background, Liz has worked in cancer research with some of the most eminent scientists in the field, for one of the UK’s largest cancer charities. Liz brings laboratory experience and analytical understanding of experimental cancer research projects. Liz is married with three children.

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Dr Oliver Pearce

Dr Oliver Pearce

Real name: 
Dr Oliver Pearce
Trustee

Dr Oliver Pearce is Group Leader at the Barts Cancer Institute in London. Oliver's lab at Bart's is focused on the tumour microenvironment (TME), where they are particularly interested in understanding the composition and function of the tumour extracellular matrix in immunosuppression.

While Oliver's lab is not working on EHE, Oliver brings real, up-to-date, cancer research expertise into the Board of Trustees. There is also a personal connection for Oliver as his cousin was diagnosed with EHE in 2005. We know that Oliver will be able to play an important part in our activities as we continue to strive to fund EHE research and seek new treatments and hopefully find a cure for EHE. Oliver is married with two children.

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Mike Rich

Mike Rich

Real name: 
Mike Rich
Executive Director

Mike Rich is a highly-experienced member of the charity sector. He has joined the management structure of our charity in the role of Executive Director, on a voluntary part-time basis. Mike has a wonderful reputation in the sector and brings years of experience in so many areas. Mike won't be working full time, as he has a full time role with another organisation in London, but the hours he can spare out of his personal time are going to be invaluable. Mike is married with two children.