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.

Daniel Newman - HR Officer
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 - Senior Manager, 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 - Senior Community Engagement Officer
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.

Celia Joseph - Regional Fundraiser (East of England)
It is fantastic to be part of an organisation who are seeking a cure for type 1 – it makes my job worthwhile. When not working I enjoy life in the countryside with a menagerie of animals and watching my daughters compete in showjumping.

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.

Jayme Balossino - Regional Fundraiser (Midlands)
I feel inspired by all the amazing people who are so devoted to helping us find the cure and I'm honoured to be part of the organisation seeking to make this happen. I'm originally from Italy, I love food, and, in my spare time, I'm captain of Birmingham's National Volleyball League team.

Ally Colton - Regional Fundraiser (South West)
Watching a friend's child grow up with type 1 has shown me the impact a diagnosis has on the whole family. I am proud to work for JDRF who are dedicated to finding a cure. I spend weekends watching my husband and son play in a Green Day Tribute band.

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!

Sue Perrin - Regional Fundraising Coordinator (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.

Chris Normington - Development Manager (North)
The cure for type 1 would mean more people having the opportunity to do all the things they want in life. I love raising money and take on at least one fundraising challenge a year. In my spare time I go mountain biking, drive my VW camper and volunteer!

Jude Sutton - 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.

Catriona Armstrong - 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.

Holly Davies - Senior Regional Fundraiser (Central Scotland)
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.

Claire Henderson - Regional Fundraiser (Scotland)
I have several family members affected by type 1 so I am really excited to be part of a team that is working hard towards finding a cure. A world without type 1 would be amazing. I am a crazy cat lady and volunteer at a local animal shelter.

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.

Rebecca Tomlinson - Senior Challenge and Sports Fundraising Manager
It's an exciting time in the Challenge Events team at JDRF. We have lots of plans for the future – so watch this space. My love for sports also tends to take up my free time and I regularly take part in crazy running and cycling events, the next one being an Ultra-marathon.

Luan Roberts - Senior Challenge Events Fundraiser
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.

Rob Grover - High Value Partnerships Manager - Trusts
I know the constant attention people with type 1 have to give to looking after themselves. A cure would transform their lives and their family's lives. I am hugely impressed with the ground breaking work of our researchers. I started skiing again five years ago after a 40 year gap.

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 - Interim Senior Manager - High Value Partnerships
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.

Katie Hepworth - Head of Individual Giving
Finding a cure would be life-changing for so many people. I'm motivated by being part of that life changing work. I play the violin in an orchestra, sing in a choir and love to travel. One day I'll get to Antarctica!

Hayley Perez - Individual Giving Manager
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.

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.

Sophie Lizra - Challenge Events Coordinator
I am incredibly proud to be part of an organisation where everyone is devoted to finding a cure for Type 1. It would mean the world to the people living with Type 1, and their families.The part of my job I love most is working with supporters and helping them to achieve their fundraising goals.

Michelle Frost - Fundraising Coordinator (Scotland)
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 6 years old. A cure would completely change my life and millions of others. Until that day comes, I think it's so important to live life to the fullest and never let diabetes hold you back! For me, that means travelling the world, taking part in crazy sporting challenges and completing a doctorate degree.

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!

Mark O'Loughlin - High Value Partnerships Executive - Trusts
It's wonderful to be part of the JDRF fundraising team helping to raise money towards a cure and to treat and prevent type 1 diabetes. When not working at JDRF, I enjoy writing and spending time with my family and friends.

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.

Paz Garcia - Senior Research Communications and Engagement Officer
I am continually inspired by the vision of the researchers we work with and the drive of the staff and supporters to find a cure – finding it would mean so much to so many families worldwide. In my spare time I am an enthusiastic baker and ballroom & latin dancer.

Caroline Schmutz - Senior Grants and Research Officer
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 JRDF 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 Brand 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'm a cinema and galleries aficionado.

Deepti Bahal - Senior Marketing Officer
I have had type 1 diabetes for 10 years. Finding the cure would save millions of people from the constant work and anxiety that comes from living with the condition. I am proud to work in such a motivated team. Outside work I love going to gigs.

Chris Owens - Senior Marketing Officer
Being part of such a passionate and dedicated team makes working at JDRF an absolute privilege. Knowing that every day I am helping JDRF fund life-changing research in the UK and around the world is a real inspiration. Outside of work, I love to act, travel and occasionally get to the gym.

Rebecca Leitch - Media and Content Manager
Type 1 diabetes has played a significant part in my life and I have supported JDRF since I was a young girl. I am extremely proud to be raising awareness of what it is like to live with the condition and be part of this amazing charity that will one day find the cure.

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!

Mike Hall - Database and Information Manager
Working at JDRF has shown me the impact type 1 has on both the lives of those living with the condition, and their families and loved ones as well - working towards a world without it is a wonderful feeling. I enjoy baking and programming in my spare time.

Evan Jones - Office Administrator
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.