About Grace
Since GRACE was established in 2005, women’s experiences of all five gynaecological cancers have been at the heart of everything we do. GRACE was founded to answer the questions that affect women’s likelihood of surviving their cancer – but also how we can improve the quality of their life beyond a diagnosis.
The GRACE team is committed to pushing forward improvements in treatment, recovery and survival rates for women diagnosed with any gynaecological cancer. Now and in the future.
GRACE supports women living with gynaecological cancers across Surrey, West Sussex, and Hampshire. The charity exists for all women with gynaecological cancers, at whatever stage of their diagnosis, and is committed to providing more dedicated services for women through:
- Providing a dedicated support service for women, their partners, and families. This includes offer one to one counselling and facilitated peer group sessions, available from the minute of diagnosis, through life beyond treatment and recovery.
- Facilitating peer-to-peer networks and connecting women with others who may share similar lived experiences of diagnosis and treatment.
- Hosting enrichment events for women who have had, or are being treated for, gynaecological cancers. From writing retreats to flower arranging, these free activities provide an opportunity to meet others and enjoy new experiences.
- Raising awareness to promote early diagnosis; funding research into causes and treatments; and providing local hospitals with vital surgical equipment.
- Funding research which will improve the treatment, recovery, and survival rates of women diagnosed in the future and that feeds into the wider UK cancer network.
MEET THE GRACE TEAM
Many of our dedicated Trustees and Associates are doctors first and foremost and so their concern is always the best possible outcomes for women. This expertise and passion means they can support GRACE to raise standards of gynaecological cancer treatment and care for women across Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and beyond.
With clinical expertise spanning gynaecology, oncology, surgery and research, our Trustees ensure GRACE’s strategy and values uphold the charitable objectives.
Alongside professionals in law, finance and business, the GRACE Trust Board is responsible for the overall governance of the charity.
Our Trustees
Simon Butler-Manuel
GRACE Founder
Simon is a Senior Consultant Gynaecologist and one of the UK’ leading minimal access gynaecological surgeons
Richard Wallacy
Treasurer
Richard is a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA) with over 23 years of experience.
Christian Wells
Trustee
Christian has a background in the law, specifically in the areas of risk, insurance and liability. He is currently a freelance consultant, NED and trustee in the not for profit and charitable sectors
Dr. Agnieszka Michael
Trustee
Agnieszka is a medical oncology consultant at the Royal Surrey Hospital, and an Associate Professor in Oncology at the University of Surrey.
Mr. Jayanta Chatterjee
Trustee
Jay is a Senior Consultant Gynaecologist and Gynae Oncology surgeon at the Royal Surrey County Hospital and internationally known for his surgical expertise in advanced open abdominal and laparoscopic/robotic operative skills.
Lynn Vellin
Trustee
Lynn has a background in operational management and HR, and is currently working as a HR Director
Our Charity Team
Our Charity Team manages GRACE awareness campaigns, fundraising and charity administration. Day to day, Sara works to support events, fundraising activities, and community engagement. She work closely with GRACE’s amazing supporters, volunteers and donors – the incredible people who make it all possible.
Please get in touch with the team anytime via info@grace-charity.org.uk
Sara Willcocks
Head of Fundraising & Communications
Sara has a proven track record in the planning, management and delivery of communication strategies and fundraising campaigns within the charity sector. Having lost her mum to cervical cancer in 2010, Sara is passionate about supporting women who are diagnosed with gynaecological cancers and in improving the treatments and outcomes for all women.
This is her second time working with GRACE and she is tasked with helping the charity expand its awareness and fundraising income, while working with women of lived experience to create a shared vision for the charity. Outside of work, Sara is a mum of two girls, and a keen runner and writer.
Larissa Crust
Governance Administrator & Women’s Support Coordinator
Larissa joined GRACE to support the trustees with governance administration and to help coordinate and facilitate our women’s support services. She has a background in employment and family law administration and brings a wealth of experience and organisation skills to her role.
In her spare time, Larissa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, dancing and renovating her family home. She is also an exam invigilator at a local secondary school and a volunteer seamstress in the costume department for a local pantomime group.
Luke Butcher
Volunteer Content Creation Lead
Luke has a passion for creativity and charity work and has a background in health and social care ranging from working in SEND, alongside individuals with dementia, working within care homes, supporting young children and teens who have experience trauma and show challenging behaviours. More recently domiciliary care. Luke has a personal link to GRACE, after his Mum, Cathy, was diagnosed with womb cancer in 2017. Since then, Luke’s mum has been supporting charities such as GRACE and others at The Royal Surrey. Cathy’s brave and positive attitude towards living with cancer and cancer recurrence was inspirational. Sadly Cathy passed away in January 2025 after also battling lung cancer. Cathy’s strength and positivity through tough times has inspired her son Luke, who is passionate about supporting other women who are diagnosed with gynaecological cancers. His aim is to create awareness as Volunteer Content Creation Lead in remembrance of his mum. Outside of work Luke spends time with his close family and friends, enjoys exploring the great outdoors, photography, craft, swimming, exercise and baking!
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