Miles is married to Sam and is a corporate finance advisor. ‘My wife Sam was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2009. We started to understand that early intervention and a speedy program of treatment would ensure that the cancer would be removed and hopefully not return. We began fundraising for a lymph node analyser for our local hospital. It was installed at The Princess Royal University Hospital in February 2011. I am a founder Trustee and the Chair of the Charity.’

Christine Oliver was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in February 2008. I am married to Keith and have two children and two grandchildren. I underwent a mastectomy and reconstruction in March 2008 and 28 weeks of chemotherapy. I was so impressed with the treatment I received from The Chartwell Unit, and more importantly, Mr Desai, that I felt I wanted to give something back to benefit others. I did my first fundraiser for The Chartwell Breast Unit in September 2009 with the help of my husband and friends. I am also the Treasurer for the charity.

Mr Anil J Desai A consultant breast surgeon with a special interest in breast diseases and oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery. He obtained his MBBS from the MS University of Baroda in India and completed all his postgraduate training in UK at prestigious hospitals such as the Royal Marsden Hospital and Charing Cross Hospital. He was appointed Consultant in the Bromley Hospitals Trust in 1999. He has considerable experience in oncoplastic breast surgery and cosmetic breast surgery having performed over a thousand such procedures. He was the lead quality assurance surgeon for all of London for the NHS breast screening service for 7 years. In addition to strategy, he provides professional input about causes worthwhile of the charity’s support.

Sam was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in October 2009 at the age of 41. She is married to Miles and has one son, Tom. Sam is an executive headteacher in Kent. ‘I was triple positive. I underwent a mastectomy, additional surgery for lymph node removal, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I completed my herceptin treatment in January 2011. I underwent further surgery having a Diep flap in 2013.  I am presently on a ten-year tamoxifen treatment plan. I first began fundraising when first diagnosed with breast cancer. Along with my consultant Anil Desi, my husband Miles and close friends we held a classical concert and raised £68,000 towards a much needed lymph node analyser for our local hospital. During this initial fundraising journey, I met other amazing patients and together we founded the South East London Breast Cancer Trust’.

Georgie is married to Clive and has 4 children and 10 Grandchildren. She had Breast Cancer in 1994, 2000,and 2009, her treatment included bilateral mastectomies, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and Herceptin followed by reconstruction. Her reconstructions included the use of a stomach muscle (Tram Flap) as well as using a muscle from her back. Following successful fundraising along with other patients helped to form SELBCT as she wanted to help give something back after all the wonderful care she received during her treatment.

Susie was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in Situ in December 2010. She underwent two lumpectomy operations. This was followed by 5 weeks of radiotherapy and finished her treatment with 5 years of Tamoxifen. Susie is married to Jason and has a son and daughter. Having read about the charity, Susie regularly participated at various fund-raising events. Because of Susie’s enthusiastic hands on approach, she was asked to become a trustee at the end of 2015.

Sarah is married to John and has a daughter, Paige and a new grandson Henry. Sarah worked at Kings College Hospital in London, as a financial investigator before moving into PA work for a large Academy Trust. ‘I became passionately involved in supporting those affected by breast cancer when my friend, Sam, was diagnosed in 2009. In 2012 my mother was diagnosed too. I have seen first-hand the positive impact support and awareness can have to improve the wellbeing of patients.

Keith is married to Tina and is a retired police officer. ‘I know the impact a diagnosis of breast cancer has on a loved one and their family, when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. My friend, Sarah, made me aware of the new charity being set up locally; I wanted to get involved and help make a difference in the support and treatment patients and their families can access. I became a founder Trustee of the charity.

Sam Featherstone- Charity Secretary. Sam is married to Paul and has two daughters. ‘I am a heath care assistant at The Chelsfield Hospital in Kent. I have worked with Mr Desai for a number of years and have first-hand experience of the impact of treatment and recovery of breast cancer on patients. I helped with fundraising events and when the charity was launched, I wanted to support their work and agreed to be charity secretary.’