Staff

Naomi Atkin

CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

Naomi joined the charity in 2016, after a number of years working in Students’ Unions in Manchester and Birmingham. Having grown up in Shrewsbury, she is enjoying life working back in her home community after 12 years away.

“It is a real privilege to lead the staff team in a charity that makes a real difference here in Shropshire, Telford, and Mid Wales. I am really proud of what we have achieved in the last eight years, especially with our LiveLife Cancer Awareness work, as well as funding for a broader range of projects that support people not just to survive, but to live well during and beyond their cancer treatment. This is underpinned by our increased income – thanks to the hard work of the whole team and the extremely generous support of our community.”

Emma Backhouse

COO (Chief Operating Officer)

Louise Dawson

Operations Manager

Louise’s career with Lingen Davies began in September 2004 when she worked as a fundraising officer in the then very small team. In 2012 Louise took on the role of Fundraising Manager, and has now gone on to become the charity’s Operations Manager. After seeing vast growth over the last 20 years – both in income and the size of  the team – there’s really very little Louise doesn’t know about Lingen Davies!

Currently undertaking a Level 3 qualification in AAT Accountancy at Shrewsbury College, Louise will be using this expanded knowledge to help with the production of financial updates for the charity.  After initially training as a secondary school teacher Louise soon realised her ambitions lay elsewhere.

“I love the local feel to the charity, that local people can see where the money is being spent in their area. I’ve met so many fabulous supporters over the years and have seen such incredible development in terms of what we deliver and fund, it’s been a privilege to see the growth so far and I am tremendously excited about what’s to come as Lingen Davies approaches its 50th year.”

Karen Cox

Finance Assistant

Karen works as our Finance Assistant in the busy Operations Team, dealing with finance transactions along with reception duties, greeting patients and supporters in the office.

“I love seeing the money flow into the charity knowing there is a meaningful story behind every kind donation, and then being released again for wonderful initiatives to help people living with and beyond Cancer.

“I have previously donated and been involved in many sponsorship challenges, taking part in fundraisers, I’ve found it very rewarding and enjoy giving back.  Last year I took part in a Skydive for Lingen Davies which was a fabulous experience and with the help of family and friends I was able to raise a good sum for the charity. Outside of work,  I like to play netball and enjoy socialising.”

Lou Childs

Charity Administrator

Anna Williams

Communications and Marketing Manager

Anna joined Lingen Davies in April 2021 and has developed communications and marketing to ensure the good work of the charity, and the stories of those impacted by cancer, reaches as many people as possible.

With a background in journalism and PR Anna actually started writing about Lingen Davies when she lead the Shrewsbury Chronicle’s weekly charity page, which at that time focussed on raising £3.2million for the build of the Cancer Centre!

“It is such a vital charity to so many local people. I love being able to shout about our work, publicise our events, and most importantly share the stories of our amazing supporters. I am really excited to be part of this dedicated and driven team.”

If you have a story to share or would like some publicity for an upcoming fundraising event contact Anna on [email protected] or on 01743 492396.

Emilie Kerr

Events and Marketing Coordinator

Emilie joined Lingen Davies in September 2022 after spending the past four years working in the property sector. In her role, Emilie provides marketing and communications support across the charity to ensure the work of Lingen Davies is heard far and wide.

Since joining the team, Emilie has completed an Award in Marketing and has been shortlisted for a national communications award – Charity Comms ‘Rising Star’.

“Being part of charity that makes such a huge impact to people locally is something very special. I’m very fortunate to have met lots of inspiring people who’s experiences have been made better as a result of the equipment, technology or community projects that have been funded by Lingen Davies.”

Emilie is a keen baker and enjoys playing netball in her spare time.

Freya Morris

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Freya joined the Lingen Davies team in 2025 following two years working in the charity sector.

With a marketing degree and over four years of experience in digital communications, Freya is enthusiastic about creating engaging content to reach new audiences.

“Knowing that the work I do has such a positive impact on those in my local community is so special.

“I’ve already learned so much about the many ways Lingen Davies supports local people impacted by cancer and I love having the opportunity to shout about some of the incredible stories I hear every day.”

Alongside keeping her Duolingo streak going, Freya is an absolute foodie who loves to try new recipes. She’s also a keen reader, with a specific interest in Greek and Norse mythology, and is a member of two local book clubs.

Steph Smith

Relationship Fundraiser (Corporates and Major Donors)

Steph joined the team in September 2024, bringing ten years’ of fundraising experience. She’ll inspire you to raise funds with her infectious enthusiasm and passion for the cause and is always looking to build meaningful connections and partnerships with local businesses and philanthropists.

“I take great pride in representing Lingen Davies, I’m continually inspired by the work that we do and the reputation we continue to uphold, after 45 years.”

The opportunity to give back to my community and make a positive difference to lives affected by cancer in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales, motivates me every day.”

Steph is always up for a challenge, having completed a 10km run in Uganda & 100km of the Camino de Santiago, so we’re keen to see where her next adventure takes her!

She’s a keen foodie and has become our go-to for local food and drink recommendations. She also regularly practices yoga, so our gentle yoga and tai- chi classes for patients are something she really advocates for. Steph would love to share the impact of our work first-hand, so if you’re interested in supporting a specific project or event, or getting your colleagues involved with fundraising – she’d love to hear from you: [email protected]

Claire Purcell

Community Fundraising Manager

Karen Roberts

Community and Volunteer Fundraiser

Karen is no stranger to Lingen Davies having taken part in a number of fundraising initiatives for us. After retiring from her own driving instructor business teaching people around Oswestry for more than 30 years, taking on maternity cover for Tarrah’s role tempted Karen back into work.

By her own admission Karen says she is ‘slightly mad, very active, and finds it very difficult to do nothing’!

Angela Hill

Community Fundraiser - In Memory Liaison

Angela has been involved with the charity since undergoing her own cancer diagnosis and treatment. After joining as a volunteer, Angela and her sister Caroline were then asked to head up the Shrewsbury Fundraising Committee – with great success.

Angela is now part of the staff team too and as well as working in our busy reception office, and being the primary point of contact for those wishing to leave donations in memory of loved ones, Angela is also working to support fundraisers throughout our community.

“I’m really eager to work with everyone in the wider community to support their fundraising efforts, and work alongside local funeral directors and help people at a time when they need as much support as possible. In memory donations are a very sensitive subject and I know from my own experience how important it is to have someone to talk to.”

Miranda Ashwell

LiveLife Project Lead

Miranda joined the team in 2020 having had a wide-ranging career as a teacher in the UK and Botswana, as well as a community development worker and 16 years as a Public Health lead in Shropshire, working for both the NHS and the local authority.

As Lingen Davies’ LiveLife Project Lead, Miranda’s role focuses on raising awareness of cancer prevention and early diagnosis, through our LiveLife Community Awareness programme and our Shropshire, Telford, and Powys Cancer Champions programme.

“I’m really motivated to make a positive difference: the work of my team is to raise awareness of the importance of recognising and reporting early signs and symptoms, because getting an early diagnosis means treatment can be most effective. I lost both my parents to cancer, and like many of us have friends and family whose lives are deeply affected by cancer, so the work of Lingen Davies is very close to my heart.”

Miranda is an enthusiastic bee-keeper, gardener and mountain walker.

Kerry Morgan

LiveLife Project Coordinator

Kerry joined the team in March 2024 having previously worked in cancer services at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. Her role involved supporting patients on their pathway through diagnosis and she now looks forward to working within the community to promote the importance of early diagnosis. Kerry will be key in continuing to grow our LiveLife Cancer Awareness Service as well as working with our Cancer Champions team as the coordinator for Telford.

In her spare time Kerry likes being out and about enjoying walks in the countryside.

Helen Davies

Powys Cancer Champions Coordinator

Helen is the Powys Cancer Champions Coordinator and joined the LiveLife team in March 2023. Helen is a registered nurse and prior to joining Lingen Davies worked in a variety of cancer support roles in the statutory and voluntary sector in Powys and Shropshire.

In her spare time, she enjoys the countryside and socialising with family and friends.

“I am pleased to be able to contribute to raising awareness of cancer signs and symptoms and the importance of cancer screening throughout our region, with the help of the Lingen Davies Cancer Champions.’’