Weston Park Cancer Charity announces Niall Baker as new Chair

Weston Park Cancer Charity has announced Niall Baker as its new Chair for its Board of Trustees.

Niall, Partner at Irwin Mitchell and Chair of IM Asset Management, takes the reins from David Whitney, who stood down earlier this year after heading up the charity’s Board for nine years.

New Chair Niall, who brings with him vast business experience, has hit the ground running in his new role – drawing on experience gained from time spent as a Trustee at Weston Park Cancer Charity.

He has already been heavily involved in the charity’s work – attending several of Weston Park Cancer Charity’s 2022 events series and becoming a regular visitor at Weston Park Cancer Support on Northumberland Road and the organisation’s Charity Hub on Whitham Road.

As Chair, he joins a team of volunteer trustees who govern the charity’s work and direct how it is managed and run.

The charity has recently committed to delivering an ambitious new strategy, which has been approved by its Board of Trustees.

Collectively, the charity aims to be there, together at every step, for the one in two people who will be diagnosed with cancer in the South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire regions.

By providing support when it’s needed most, enhancing treatment experiences and enabling vital research into better treatment and care, the charity works to make life better for anyone in the region who is going through cancer.

On his appointment as Chair, Niall said:

“As one of only four specialist cancer hospitals in the UK, we’re extremely privileged to have Weston Park Cancer Centre on our doorstep in Sheffield. Nearly every person across the region has witnessed first-hand through relatives and friends, the phenomenal treatment the hospital provides.

“One in two people will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetimes, and as more people are diagnosed, we need to ensure people in our region have access to the very best cancer care and treatment.

“With this in mind, I am honoured to be appointed as the new Chair, especially at a time when the charity is committed to deliver an ambitious strategy.”

Weston Park Cancer Charity’s Chief Executive Officer, Emma Clarke, said:

“Niall is the ideal person to champion the work of Weston Park Cancer Charity.

“He knows first-hand how important this institution is for the people of our region and brings with him a wealth of experience to grow our work; address health inequalities, raise awareness and invest in cancer care, support and research.

“We strive to be there for more people from the moment they are diagnosed. But today, as all of us will be affected by a diagnosis at some point in our lives, we know we need to do more.

“The stewardship of Niall and our wonderful Board of Trustees will also be essential in the coming months and years, as we plan to expand and take our cancer support services out into communities across Sheffield and the wider region, beyond our current service provision at Weston Park.”

For more information on Weston Park Cancer Charity, visit www.westonpark.org.uk.