At the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association, we have a dedicated group of passionate individuals working together to make a difference. Our small but mighty team is comprised of four dedicated staff members and a wonderful group of volunteers who generously give their time and skill to support our mission.
Together, we strive to create a positive impact for people living with Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD), and we are excited for you to get to know the people behind our work.
Cat – Fundraising and Operations Manager
Cat joined the PRDA in the summer of 2024 as manager of the Operations team. Cat is responsible for meeting our income generation targets and all the ‘behind the scenes’ work that keeps the PRDA running smoothly. Cat has a background in NHS, local government, and charity management with a particular interest in service development.
“It’s an exciting time to join the PRDA, I’m looking forward to growing the number of people we support and our reach as we advocate for people living with PRD”
Dafydd – Volunteer Speaker and Patient Advisor
Since joining the PRDA community in 2021, Dafydd has been passionate about using his experience to support others living with pelvic radiation disease. He is an active member of PRDA’s Patient Advisory Panel and also a Volunteer Speaker, giving talks to healthcare professionals to raise awareness and improve understanding of the lived experience of PRD. Through his involvement, Dafydd helps to ensure that the patient voice is heard and valued in shaping care and support.
“I have experience and knowledge of Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) and feel that I can help fellow patients to feel less anxious about what they are going through. I find it heart-warming that I can help others”
Donna – Chat Together Group Facilitator Volunteer
Since retiring three years ago, Donna has enjoyed spending more time with her family, friends, and her new puppy. She keeps busy with gardening, Pilates, and learning to play bridge. Donna has lived experience of PRD and previously found great reward in her role as a helpline volunteer for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, until it sadly closed in 2024.
“I have found PRDA and its website a great resource for myself and this led me to volunteer on Chat Together, an invaluable peer support group for such an isolating condition”
Chat Together Group Facilitator, Volunteer Speaker, and Fundraising Volunteer – Gill
Gill had pelvic radiotherapy as part of her treatment for rectal cancer and was diagnosed with PRD a couple of years ago. Gill has been volunteering with the PRDA since 2022 supporting us with fundraising applications. Talking about how she discovered the PRDA Gill said “I was very lucky to be pointed in the direction of the PRDA by Lisa Punt at Maggie’s Cambridge and found it such a relief and support to find a community of people who just got it”. Since being a regular member of the PRDA’s Chat Together sessions, Gill has volunteered to co-facilitate our afternoon sessions.
“I’m excited to get involved in facilitating Chat Together sessions so as many people as possible can benefit from the support the PRDA provide. PRDA has a special place in my heart”
Helen – Professional Engagement Co-ordinator
Helen has been part of the team since (date) and plays a pivotal role in building relationships with healthcare professionals and organisations— promoting best practice in Pelvic Radiation Disease, and ensuring professional engagement remains central to PRDA’s mission. With a background in research leadership within the charity sector, Helen brings valuable experience and insight to her role. Her work helps bridge the gap between patients and professionals, raising awareness, encouraging collaboration, and supporting improved care.
“I want to make a difference by supporting healthcare professionals to come together and work collaboratively towards improving the lives of people living with PRD”
Kevin – Chat Together Group Facilitator Volunteer
Kevin had treatment for Stage 3b colorectal cancer in 2021. After receiving the all clear, he was confused about why he wasn’t recovering as expected and was experiencing persistent symptoms such as chronic wind, lower back pain, poor bladder control, and fatigue. Discovering PRDA helped him realise he wasn’t alone. Through the charity, he was able to access a Late Effects Specialist, and his symptoms have since become much more manageable. Attending Chat Together sessions also gave him the opportunity to connect with others who truly understand the experience.
“[through Chat Together]…it was good to chat to people who ‘get it’ and support each other. I try and give back at least as much as I get out of volunteering”
Maria – Services and Volunteer Co-ordinator
Maria joined the PRDA team in April 2025 as our new Service and Volunteer Co-ordinator. She brings with her a wealth of experience in social care and volunteer management, with a particular focus on developing and delivering meaningful, person-centred services. Passionate about making a positive impact, Maria is dedicated to building supportive, inclusive environments where volunteers feel valued and service users can thrive. Her thoughtful approach and deep understanding of community needs make her a fantastic addition to the team.
“I’m excited to join the PRDA team. I’m looking forward to supporting the wonderful work we do and helping to grow the number of people we can assist. I’m keen to work closely with everyone to support our volunteers and community to ensure we make a difference. If you have any ideas or ways you’d like to get involved, please do get in touch—I’d love to hear from you”
Sarah – Information and Awareness Co-ordinator
Sarah has been a part of the team since October 2016 providing information, raising awareness, and delivering talks as someone with lived-experience of PRD. Playing an integral part in helping the PRDA support and inform both patients and health professionals in understanding and managing PRD. As an ‘expert-by-experience,’ Sarah brings a valuable perspective to our work, having lived with PRD for over 10 years.
“I’m passionate about raising awareness of Pelvic Radiation Disease. I want people living with PRD to know that we truly understand what they’re going through and that we are here for them”
Trudy – Chat Together Group Facilitator Volunteer
Trudy had pelvic radiotherapy in 2001 and was told there was a small chance of developing problems. Despite living with symptoms for the past 23 years Trudy has only recently been diagnosed with PRD. Trudy’s consultant signposted her to the PRDA and she has been a regular member of our Chat Together sessions since. Trudy explains “from the first Chat-Together meeting, I felt a sense of relief; a feeling that I’m not alone, there are others in a similar situation.”
“When PRDA called for volunteers to hold a day-time session, it was an easy decision to put myself forward. I will be co-hosting a monthly session and I’m really looking forward to people joining and sharing their experiences”
Patient Advisory Group
Our Patient Advisory Group (PAG) is made up of individuals with lived experience of PRD—either as patients themselves or as carers supporting a loved one. Their insights and experiences are at the heart of everything we do.
The PAG plays a vital role in shaping PRDA’s work by helping to ensure that our support, resources, and advocacy remain truly person-centred, inclusive, and relevant to the real challenges faced by those living with PRD. Members contribute to a wide range of activities, including the development of information materials, service design, awareness-raising, and consultation on research and policy.
By bringing the patient voice directly into the organisation, the PAG helps us stay grounded, responsive, and effective in our mission to improve quality of life for all those affected by PRD.
Lauren – Patient Advisor “PRDA is a small charity and I like the idea of helping a smaller, more specialised charity which doesn’t get as much attention as the larger cancer support charities.”
Wendy – Patient Advisor “I volunteer for PRDA because I want others to know they are not alone, and their symptoms are real. I don’t want them to feel as though there is no-one that can listen and understand. I know what others are going through.”
Get involved
There are many meaningful ways you can get involved and help make a difference to the lives of those affected by PRD. Whether it’s by sharing your experience of living with the condition, volunteering your time and skills, or simply offering feedback to help us improve, your contribution matters. Together, we can raise awareness, support one another, and continue building a strong community for people living with PRD. Find out how you can get involved.
modified 7th July 2025