Meet our team

Karen Addington - Chief Executive
The cure would mean a world without type 1 diabetes for future generations. It would be the most amazing gift JDRF could deliver to the 400,000 people living with type 1 in the UK. I am dedicated to finding the cure.

Rachel Connor - Director of Research Partnerships
I knew more about the molecules involved in type 1 than its day-to-day impact when I joined JDRF. That quickly changed (although I still know quite a lot about molecules), and the cure would mean more to me than any other scientific advance could. I use a scooter to get to work!

Jonathan Taylor - Director of Finance and Resources
To me the cure for type 1 diabetes would mean among other things that nobody would have to endure the shock of such a life-altering diagnosis. I’ve had 25 years experience in the voluntary sector, with a particular interest in charities growing rapidly, and planning for and sustaining that growth.

James Elliott - Director of Fundraising
Playing a part to finding a cure to type 1 diabetes would mean everything to me. Away from work I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also like to keep fit and am a keen cyclist and runner.

Hilary Nathan - Director of Policy and Communications
I'm inspired by the advances in medical research, but know that there is much more to do to prevent, cure and treat type 1 diabetes. In particular I am interested in improving people's access to research and treatments. Outside of work my family and friends are the most important aspect of my life.

Helen Pegg - Head of Governance Portfolio
A good friend at school had type 1 plus JDRF colleagues and supporters. Finding the cure would be great to know that we've helped make people's lives better and enabled researchers to carry out some amazing work. I love a good cookery programme and am planning to do an advanced driving course.

Hayley Anderson - Head of HR
A cure would mean so much for those I know living with the condition and I'm inspired every day by the great work that JDRF does to try and make that a reality and am proud to play a small part in that. I love this job, I'm obsessed by maintaining our positive culture and making this a great place to work, where people feel they can make a real difference. I'm lucky enough to benefit from JDRF's great flexible working policy so my spare time is spent, in no particular order, looking after my daughter, my dog and shopping in M&S!

Daniel Newman - HR Advisor
I was diagnosed with type 1 when I was 10 years old. A cure would completely change my life and many others, it would put to an end to the daily worries that a person with type 1 goes through. I am an avid Arsenal fan and have played on the Emirates pitch.

Dan Farrow - Head of Community Engagement and Volunteering
I was diagnosed with type 1 when I was 19 years old. The cure would completely change the life for so many people affected, freeing us from the constant planning and worry. I'm an Instagram-addict and I've previously skydived for charity... I'm not sure whether I liked it or not!

Helena Nelson - Community Engagement Manager
I feel passionately about helping JDRF to find the cure, it would mean an end to all the injections, finger prick tests and hospital appointments and no one else would have to go through the daily worry that having type 1 brings. I once performed in a play at Edinburgh Festival.

Abi Clarke - Community Engagement Officer (Midlands, South West and Wales)
My uncle had type 1 but was initially misdiagnosed. The frustration of people not understanding the differences between type 1 and 2 had a big impact on my family. I’m proud to work to find a cure. Away from work I spend my time trying to keep my hair extra soft and playing football.

Abigail Burrell-Rann - Community Engagement Officer (South, East and London)
Being diagnosed with type 1 at the age of 4, there is little about my life that hasn't involved diabetes. Growing up in schools where my brother and I were the only students with type 1 it fell to us to do much of the educating; that is why being part of team that not only educates and supports those affected by the condition but works to find a cure is incredible! Outside the office I am an avid reader, TV watcher and gig go-er.

Penny Robinson - Community Engagement Officer (North)
My daughter has type 1 so I know first hand how wonderful a cure would be. Talking to people about JDRF's work is the best job I could imagine and I feel very lucky. In my free time I am usually cycling, in the gym or walking in the Yorkshire Dales.

Sam Smith - Community Engagement Officer (North)
I first became aware of JDRF in 2013 shortly after my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1. I was totally blown away to find out about all the amazing work and research JDRF do, as well as getting involved in the various fundraising events. My family and I instantly felt like we were part of a community. By getting involved and being so inspired by this organisation I began volunteering on a regular basis. When the role of Community Engagement Officer came up it was like my dream job being advertised! I am truly honoured to be part of the team, spreading the word about JDRF and helping to one day find the cure.

Sophie Chappell - Volunteer Officer
My Dad has had type 1 for most of his life and all of mine so I have seen the effects that living with the condition can have on a person and their families. A cure would mean so much to so many and I feel very lucky that I get to work with JDRF to help to make this happen.

Lesley Jordan - Senior Technology Access Specialist
I have had type 1 for over 50 years. Getting an insulin pump in 2002 made a huge difference to my life, and I've been passionate about helping people access diabetes technology since then. I joined JDRF when we merged with INPUT - the diabetes technology access charity where I was Chief Executive. It's great to be part of such a dynamic and hope-filled organisation. In my spare time I aspire to be a minimalist but you'd never guess!

Lee Newman - Head of Regional Fundraising
To find a cure for type 1 would make such a difference to so many people - I would be very proud to have played some part in making that happen. When I'm not entertaining my two sons playing with trains, dinosaurs or being a superhero I enjoy listening to electronic music and visiting art galleries.

Catriona Armstrong - Fundraising Development Manager (Scotland)
My partner was diagnosed nearly 10 years ago with type 1 and a cure would mean everything to us. I can’t wait for the day when everyone living with type 1 can throw away their insulin pumps/pens and forget about carb counting and never look back! I’m a qualified gymnastics coaching assistant.

Elspeth Campbell - Senior Regional Fundraiser (Scotland)
As the mother of a son with type 1 diabetes, I am inspired by all the amazing research which has brought us closer to a world without type 1 and by the progress in technology which does so much to help people living with the condition. I am proud to be part of an organisation which plays a major role in the search for a cure and to be able to make a contribution to something that would mean so much to our family and thousands of others throughout the world.

Carol Kennedy - Regional Fundraiser (Scotland)
Having been a volunteer for five years I understand and respect what JDRF are doing to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. I feel very lucky to have two beautiful daughters who do not have type 1. This is my chance to help others less fortunate.

Holly Davies - Fundraising Development Manager (South, East, London & Special Events)
I have type 1, diagnosed in 1997. A cure would mean an end to the constant thinking, adjusting, calculating, measuring, worrying stress that is a part of every person with type 1's life. My blood glucose control was never so good as when I was pregnant with my son.

Danniella Manton - Regional Fundraiser (London)
I first came to JDRF in 2017 as a student placement volunteer with the South team in my final year at university. I enjoyed it so much that I jumped at the opportunity to come back to be a permanent member of the SEL team. Since being at JDRF, a close relative has been diagnosed with type 1, their resilience pushes me to create the best event that I can and empower our incredible supporters.

Nicole Gerrard - Senior Regional Fundraiser (South)
JDRF is a really special charity. It's a genuine pleasure to come to work and know that what I do is making a difference to those living with or supporting someone with type 1. Outside of work I'm at my happiest when i'm sitting in the sunshine at festivals with my family.

Sue Perrin - Regional Fundraiser (South)
JDRF's fabulous supporters are a dedicated bunch, and I love hearing about some of the completely crazy things they do to raise funds because finding the cure is the most important thing to them. I’m looking forward to joining in their celebrations one day.

Jess Broad - Special Events Manager
Whilst I do not have a personal connection to type 1, working at JDRF has shown me the impact of the condition on those living with type 1 as well as their families. I have met so many passionate and dedicated supporters who inspire me to do my job. I am proud to work for an organisation that is funding such incredible research with the aim to find the cure.

Hannah Taylor - Special Events Fundraiser
I have been passionate about events since I was 16, so now getting to work with such a fantastic events calendar is wonderful. It is an exciting time for the Special Events team now that we are a full team, working with everyone else to one day find a cure for type 1.

Miranda Burdett - Regional Fundraiser (Wales)
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2013, and am delighted to be working for JDRF as a fundraiser. I am in awe of the innovative research that is currently being funded by our fabulous supporters. My two guinea pigs, Pecan and Pepper, keep me company in work as I am home-based!

Jude Hughes - Senior Regional Fundraiser (North West)
Following the diagnosis of my twins Amelie and Albie with type 1, I have been passionate about fundraising and finding a cure. They are so happy I am now working for JDRF as they think I will be the one finding the cure! I have recently taken up triathlons, and love a challenge.

Luan Roberts - Head of Challenge and Sports
JDRF is a wonderful charity to work for, and I feel privileged to be a part of a fantastic team that are working tirelessly to find a cure. It would mean changing the lives of so many people and I want to help in any way by raising money through the running events I manage.

Tom Borrett - High Value Partnerships Executive - Corporate
I am extremely proud to work for an organisation that is committed to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. In my role I identify and account manage corporate partners who contribute and also benefit from the amazing work that we carry out at JDRF.

Allan Sutherland - Head of Corporate and Trusts
I am delighted to be at JDRF and am inspired by the amazing work that JDRF does and the extraordinary life changing research we fund. I am very lucky to be able to work with our supporters around fundraising and find out about the ways JDRF makes a difference to those living with type 1. I am a slow but enthusiastic runner and swim outdoors on Hampstead Heath most days, whatever the weather and water temperature.

Lucy Mason Pearson - High Value Partnerships Manager - New Business
It is very motivating to work with the corporate sector and explore how JDRF can partner with companies in a way that benefits both sides. We have some great partnerships that are helping to raise vital funds for JDRF in our fight towards a world without type 1. I am pug mad and love walking my two black pug dogs.

Fiorenzo Cecere - High Value Partnerships Administrator
I am hugely privileged and proud to be working for JDRF, who are doing amazing work day in, day out, to try to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. Film is my first love; cinema is practically my second home. My other interests include writing, reading, etc. My guilty pleasure is supporting the worst football team in London: Tottenham Hotspur!

Hayley Perez - Head of Individual Giving
I’ve seen first-hand the impact type 1 diabetes can have and I know the best way to help is through research. It’s great to be part of the JDRF team, working together to find the cure that will change so many lives.

Caroline Schmutz - Research Partnerships Manager
Playing a part in improving treatments and finding a cure for those living with type 1 diabetes is a huge motivation. I am delighted to join the JDRF team, and to work with passionate researchers and supporters to achieve this goal. I am also a keen traveller, photographer and cinema goer.

Michael Connellan - Head of External Affairs
I am inspired to help find the cure for type 1 diabetes by the great breakthroughs of medical history - such as the discovery of insulin. I'm a former journalist, a Twitter addict and a long-suffering Cambridge United FC fan.

Orna Joseph - Head of Digital and Marketing
It's a privilege to support the drive to find a cure for type 1. When not working, I can be found performing and directing theatre with my local drama group.

Kate Lawton - Digital Marketing Manager
I greatly appreciate being able to use my digital skills to support incredible research that improves the lives of people with type 1. Outside work, I travel to Italy a lot and am an arthouse cinema and galleries aficionado.

Conor McKeever - Research Communications Manager
Although my degree was in chemistry, I soon left the lab when I realised I preferred talking about science to doing it myself! Now it’s my job to translate the research JDRF funds into something more accessible for everyone. This is actually my second stint at JDRF – I worked here until 2015, and I’ve really loved coming back to the fold.

Hakeem Danmole - Finance Manager
A cure would mean relief for thousands of people and their families. I am a closet foodie.

Snjezana Raic - Finance Officer
Having family connections to chronic autoimmune disorders help me understand the implications that type 1 has on people living with the condition as well as their families. Finding a cure would mean the world to millions of people!

Evan Jones - Executive Assistant
Finding the cure, or even new treatments for living with type 1, would make a huge difference to my friends whose lives are affected every day by the condition. Away from work, I have performed several times at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Jamie Hughes - Office Manager
JDRF is the second charity I've worked for and it's been great to get a better understanding of type 1 and to see how the work we do helps improve the lives of so many people affected by it. When not at work I enjoy exploring new places, crime fiction and football when Arsenal are winning.