About Us
Before, during and after breast cancer
OUR MISSION
Lady McAdden is a local breast cancer charity who are dedicated to supporting anyone before, during and after breast cancer.
AREAS OF SUPPORT
We are here to support everyone. Whether it’s promoting the early detection of breast cancer through Senior School and College assemblies, raising awareness at workplaces and the community with our events, or providing personalised support, our focus is on making a difference.
We offer one-to-one nurse appointments and are developing a range of wellbeing services to support individuals at every stage—before, during, and after breast cancer. Through education and compassionate care, we aim to empower and uplift all those affected.
AIMS
At our core, we strive to create a welcoming and supportive space for everyone who needs us. Our doors are open to women, men, non-binary, Trans, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Through our services and programmes, we are committed not only to raising awareness about the importance of early detection but also to being a guiding hand for those navigating breast cancer.
We understand that breast cancer affects more than just the person experiencing it—it impacts their families, friends, and loved ones as well. That’s why we aim to be a beacon of hope for the wider community during what can often feel like the darkest of times.
We recognise that breast cancer can be overwhelming, frightening, and deeply emotional. Through our free one-to-one nurse appointment service, we hope to provide clarity, reassurance, and compassionate care to those who need it most.
Our Team
Meet our fantastic team, the engine room of our organisation.
Esther Taylor
Chief Executive
Officer
Emily Morris
Operations
Manager
Jodie Hughes
Canvey Charity
Shop Manager
Michelle Butler
Tilbury Charity
Shop Manager
Tasha Thor-Straten
Events
Manager
Our Nurses
Meet our incredible nurses, who are here for anyone before, during and after breast cancer.
If you would like a nurse to attend a meeting, event or deliver a breast awareness presentation to your staff, club members or other event, please get in touch.
Natalie Rolison
Nurse Manager
Lauren Hodges
Lady McAdden Nurse
Angela Fiore
Lady McAdden Nurse
Our Trustees
Our incredible team of Trustees are local business owners and directors, who bring a wealth of knowledge to our charity. If you are interested in volunteering to become a Trustee, then please contact us to discuss what is involved.
Christine Nichols
Chair of Trustees
Lisa Marston
Vice Chair
Jo Jones
Trustee
Christine Wyatt
Trustee
Jane Williams
Trustee
Danielle Belton
Trustee
Before, during and after breast cancer
Our History
The Beginnings
Our history began in 1968 when local Townswomen’s Guild member, Norma Heigho found a purse with money inside. That lucky find was never claimed and so it was decided to do something worthwhile with it. Norma wanted to help her sister-in-law who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, however, at the time Southend Hospital was not yet equipped for breast screening.
After successful campaigning, Mrs Heigho approached Lady Dot McAdden, wife of the then Southend East MP Sir Stephen McAdden, to ask her if she could lend her name to the cause and become the President of the newly-formed Breast Screening Appeal.
On 4th April 1974 the Lady McAdden Appeal was launched, which was a fundraising initiative to support the establishment of the UK’s first Breast Screening Unit.
The doors opened for the Lady McAdden Breast Screening Unit at Southend Hospital 22 May 1976, and subsequently formally opened by HRH Princess Margaret on 27 June 1977.
The NHS started their own breast screening programme in 1988, and Lady McAdden continued to offer independent screening alongside the NHS to a wider age group (starting at age 40).
However, due to many reasons, including the cost of the service, the age of the equipment and repairs that were needed which would cause a significant financial strain to the charity, the decision was made to discontinue the Mammogram Breast Screening service in April 2022.
The services offered then focused primarily on promoting the early detection of breast cancer and breast awareness through one-to-one nurse appointments and community events.
2024 And Beyond
In October 2024’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we raised more than ever before, thanks to the support of the community, which helped us fund the development of more essential services, launch The Lady McAdden Sanctuary, and open our new charity shop on Canvey Island.
In 2025 it is our mission to expand to not only promote the early detection of breast cancer, but to support during and after breast cancer treatment, with our new slogan becoming ‘Lady McAdden. Before, During and After Breast Cancer’
Our goal is to create an inclusive space at Lady McAdden that welcomes everyone. We are committed to serving individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, and identities, including LGBTQIA+ and non-binary people, as well as those with disabilities and diverse cultural or religious backgrounds.
Esther Taylor
Bio: Hi, my name is Esther and I’m the CEO here at Lady McAdden. I’ve been in this role since March 2022. I’ve worked in the charity sector for over 20 years, from setting up and running my own charity, to being a Fundraising manager for a national youth charity. I’m passionate about supporting women, especially when it comes to their health & wellbeing. I have an amazing team and together we are working to ensure that everybody is supported before, during and after breast cancer. In my life outside of work I am a wife, mum to two teenage girls & we have a crazy dog called Charlie!
Emily Morris
Bio: Hi, I’m Emily, in my spare time I teach Yoga and Pilates and so health and wellbeing have always been at the forefront of my mind; which is what drew me to working at Lady McAdden. I began my career here as the Communications and Engagement Assistant and now am so proud to work as the Operations Manager. The work that the charity do to support people through the nurse services, events and more is incredible and I love being part of such a fantastic team.
Tasha Thor-Straten
Bio: Hi, I’m Tasha and I wear a couple of hats at Lady McAdden. I look after Communications and Events for the Trust, from our large scale to small community-driven events, and I love knowing that every post, partnership and event helps fund the nurse-led support that makes such a difference to people going through breast cancer. In 2017 I recovered fully from an initial terminal bowel cancer diagnosis, and coming through that treatment changed how I see the world and what I wanted from life – it’s a big part of why supporting people through health challenges matters so much to me. I’m a mum of 2 grown-up children, always challenging myself – I’m currently learning Improv Comedy skills.
Michelle Butler
Bio: Hi, I’m Michelle. I’m Manager of our charity shop in Tilbury. I’ve worked for Lady McAdden since 2019 and have enjoyed being part of the team, seeing all the changes that have happened over that time, and am excited to see how the charity is growing. I’m proud to have created an amazing community in Tilbury from the staff to the customers. And look forward to continuing to provide a welcoming space for people to come not only for essential items but also to connect with others and see a friendly face.
Jodie Hughes
Bio: Hello, I’m Jodie. I am the Manager of the new charity shop that has very recently opened on Canvey Island. I have 8 years’ experience in working in charity retail. And I absolutely love my work. I’m very excited to be starting a new challenge working for Lady McAdden and am very much looking forward to the future, and of being a part of the charity as it grows. Being part of a charity that supports so many people is an amazing opportunity. Outside of work I’m a mum to 2, a boy and girl. And I spend most of my free time at the side of a football pitch, cheering on my sons team!
Lauren Zekai-Tabert
Bio: Hi, I’m Lauren and I joined the Lady McAdden team in 2023. I love working with people and have a background in customer service and operational delivery. I am very happy to be helping to raise awareness for the charity and helping to support people with concerns or questions regarding breast cancer. I book stalls at events and talks with groups and the wider community and also help with fundraising. Not only is it great to get out and meet people from all walks of life, but to know I am a part of such an important charity that does such amazing work has made my time with Lady McAdden super enjoyable and I am looking forward to seeing where we can expand and continue to have a positive impact within the community in the future!
Lauren Chantler
Bio:
Hi! I’m Lauren, Communications and Engagement Officer at Lady McAdden. I’m proud to be part of such an incredible charity, especially as breast cancer has deeply impacted two of my close family members. Being able to support a cause so close to my heart means the world to me.
Outside of work, I’m a nature lover – you’ll often find me at the beach, hiking up a mountain, or out walking with my dog, Banjo. I also share my home with my cat, Ruby. I’m also a qualified Life Coach, passionate about empowering women!
Natalie Rolins
Bio: Hello my name is Natalie. I joined Lady McAdden in March 2020. I have been a Nurse since 2002. My main area of nursing has been in Cancer Care, Women’s Health and Sexual Health. I really enjoy providing information and educating people to help reassure and empower them to be breast aware.
Breast Awareness is free, painless, takes minutes and should be part of our whole wellbeing. We would not ignore symptoms in other parts of our bodies and breasts should be no different.
We can only do what we can, such as eat well, look after our physical and mental health, attend the free screenings available to us and be breast aware. We should not put pressure on ourselves, it is just knowing what is normal for you and to know the changes to look out for. We are here for you, be it a concern or how to check yourself.
Lauren Hodges
Bio: Hi my name is Lauren, I’m part of the Lady McAdden nursing team. As well as nursing, I’m also a massage therapist and facialist, offering holistic treatments in my spare time and occasionally for the McAdden Sanctuary.
Angela Fiore
Bio: Since qualifying as a nurse in 2003 I have worked in a variety of specialties such as renal care, care of the elderly, health visiting and Occupational Health. I am a qualified teacher to 16-19 year olds and adults in Health and Social Care at a local further education college. I really enjoying educating, teaching and empowering others. I am happy to support you in being more breast aware and to address any concerns that you may have. I truly believe breast awareness and education is vital and is the key to early detection.
Christine Nichols
What inspired you to become a Trustee for Lady McAdden?
I had breast cancer in 2021 and wanted to help other people by spreading the message that education, awareness and the early detection of breast cancer saves lives. Having undergone surgery and treatment for breast cancer I also felt able to support people diagnosed with breast cancer drawing on my own personal experience
What skills do you think you bring to Lady McAdden?
I’m a business founder, owner and director. I’ve also created a foundation within my business to support charitable and community events for which I’m chairwoman.
I’m also chairwomen of The London Freight Club, which raises money for charitable causes and I also support other local charities and community groups in Essex.
Tell us a fun fact.
I have a love of all cultures but especially the Indian culture and a fun thing about me is I own a Tuk Tuk.
Lisa Marston
What inspired you to become a Trustee for Lady McAdden?
I had used Lady McAdden services since my thirties and found my visits very reassuring so when I was asked if I would consider being a Board Member I jumped at the chance.
What skills do you think you bring to Lady McAdden?
I had a lot of experience in my career of providing a wide range of public services, developing business plans and forming partnerships with other organisations so I felt I had something to contribute.
Tell us a fun fact.
今日は – I am currently learning Japanese.
Jo Jones
What inspired you to become a Trustee for Lady McAdden?
Lady McAdden offer such an important and vital service to women in the community I live in. They are so reliant on others helping them to provide and grow the services they offer and I wanted to give some of my time to help them do this.
What skills do you think you bring to Lady McAdden?
I have a good network of friends in the local community and therefore I am able to engage people to support the Trust in many ways. My background is in Communications so I also like to get involved with the key messaging that needs to go out through advertising, social media and the website.
Tell us a fun fact.
I love to paddle in the sea at Southend at least once a year whatever the weather and am happy to dip my toes in during the winter months, it’s just my thing!
Christine Wyatt
What inspired you to become a Trustee for Lady McAdden?
My mum rang Lady McAdden when she found a lump in her breast. She was aware of the charity found it approachable and it helped her get quickly into treatment. I’m interested in helping make sure the next generation also know about Lady McAdden and how it can help them, there is so much more awareness raising we need to do!
What skills do you think you bring to Lady McAdden?
With a management consulting background in both large and small businesses, I can bring skills including marketing, planning and project management to support the team and of course my time to help with whatever is needed.
Tell us a fun fact.
I’m passionate about flowers, love arranging them less successful at growing them!
Jane Williams
What inspired you to become a Trustee for Lady McAdden?
A close friend who has been beside me, raising our children together, has got terminal breast cancer and as I feel so helpless to help her, I wanted to channel that into helping others to get their checks and navigate this area.
What skills do you think you bring to Lady McAdden?
My background is employment law as a solicitor and in that role I have helped organisations to navigate the progression of people within the organisation and as a business owner, some ability to advance the charity.
Tell us a fun fact.
My husband and I are currently converting an ex-ambulance to a motorhome to take across Europe in our biggest recycling project!
Louise Gloyne
What inspired you to become a Trustee for Lady McAdden?
The good work they do to support people in need, even if it is listening ear.
What skills do you think you bring to Lady McAdden?
30 years working in the charity field on the fundraising side.
Tell us a fun fact.
I was asked to open Tates Funeral Directors in Leigh.
Danielle Belton
What inspired you to become a Trustee for Lady McAdden?
After committing to a year of fundraising for the charity, I got to know many of the staff and volunteers and was taken aback by the love and dedication they demonstrated and the sheer number of people they were helping. It was my honour to be welcomed as a Trustee to help to continue the amazing work Lady McAdden does.
What skills do you think you bring to Lady McAdden?
I like to think I bring a range of skills from both my professional life owning a large business, and also my public sector life as a Local Councillor. I am committed and driven, with a constant flow of ideas! All of which I hope to use to add value to the charity.
Tell us a fun fact.
Leopard print is my favourite colour!
Tanya King
Hi, I’m Tanya and I’m the Fundraising Director at Lady McAdden, responsible for income generation and donor development.
I bring over 15 years of experience in the charity sector, with leadership roles in fundraising, business development, and donor engagement. Lady McAdden’s work — especially in encouraging early diagnosis and supporting people through their journey — really resonates with me.
The Sanctuary will be a brilliant resource for the local community, and I’m proud to be part of bringing it to life. In my spare time, I’m passionate about the environment and wildlife and live near a woodland area where I love going on long walks, especially during bluebell season.