Our team

The HCUK office team is headed up by Fee Labrooy as Operations Manager. She is assisted by Operations Executives Jess Harris and Nikki Foulkes. Here is a little information about them.

Fee Labrooy - Operations Manager

I started working for Heartburn Cancer UK in August 2019. I manage all our activities with my fantastic team Jess and Nikki and our supportive team of Trustees. I’m involved in everything we do from fundraising initiatives to social media and from PR to Awareness Campaigns and Support Groups.

Every day is different and I love the variety and challenge of trying to make a difference. I am passionate about working with people, excellent service, good communication and getting the best ‘bang for your buck’, all important likes to have in this role!

Like many others, prior to my mum being diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus I had never heard of the condition and I had no idea about the link between persistent heartburn and oesophageal cancer. Even though we are a small, part-time team, we have ambitions to change this! Ultimately we want to help save lives from earlier diagnosis by ensuring people understand and act on the early symptoms.

Previous jobs for me have included working for the Automobile Association, British Gas and Centrica. I have managed teams, operations, key accounts, suppliers, change, service improvement, have set up a virtual training academy, managed the development of training material and been involved in social media marketing. My most important role is the part I play in my lovely family and trying to be a good and supportive Mum to my gorgeous girlies.

In my spare time I enjoy time spent with friends and family, cooking, exploring the globe and gardening in the form of pots and baskets. I try and balance the socialising with my hobbies which include running, cycling and generally trying to keep fit and healthy. I also have a little-known talent for writing odes (poems) and surprising people with them on special occasions!

Nikki Foulkes - Operations Executive Fundraising

I joined the team at Heartburn Cancer UK in September 2019. I work mainly on fundraising, applying for grants, thinking of ideas and helping out the amazing people who do all sorts to raise the much needed funds which allow us to raise awareness and make a difference to the diagnosis and treatment of oesophageal cancer and Barrett’s oesophagus.

Prior to my role here I was a community midwife for about 10 years and, after that, a mummy. Both roles of which I am extremely proud. They have brought me much joy and taught me to be organised and resourceful! I like to go to work and feel I have made a difference and being part of the team here at HCUK allows me to do that.

In my spare time I like to garden (although a lack of spare time means the gardening is often just weeding), to run and to spend time with my family.

Jess Harris - Operations Executive Marketing

I joined the charity in September 2018. I had lost my dear Mum to brain cancer in the July so was delighted when given the opportunity to be a part of Heartburn Cancer UK and to help make a difference to others. Having lost a loved one to cancer made the role at HCUK very appealing, having experienced what many people are, sadly, going through every day – cancer totally sucks! My priority within the charity is mostly marketing based, but we all muck in where we can, and l consider myself very lucky to be part of such a lovely team.

My previous jobs have predominantly been admin based and within the IT sector, but I also have experience working in Clinical Research for a CRO (Contract Research Organisation) so that medical background comes in handy too.

In my own time I love spending time with my husband, 2 children and dog, socialising with friends, going to the theatre and reading. I also like to keep fit and started running a year ago; I’m hoping to take part in a 10k race later in the year. I enjoy wildlife and prefer to be outside whether walking the dog or a doing a spot of gardening.

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Our trustees

The trustees of Heartburn Cancer UK are all volunteers, and perform a vital role in focusing the direction of the charity towards its aims of raising awareness of the dangers of ignoring persistent symptoms including heartburn. All bring a particular set of experiences and motivations to the wider team.

Persistent heartburn

Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the breast bone caused by acid or bile reflux. It occurs when the muscles at the lower end of your oesophagus, sometimes called your gullet or food pipe, become weak and allow digestive juices from your stomach and small bowel to flow back up. Do not ignore persistent heartburn! If it lasts more than 3 weeks, see your GP.
Barrett's oesophagus

Barrett’s oesophagus is a condition that affects the lining of the oesophagus, the muscular tube that carries food, liquids and saliva from the mouth to the stomach. It is sometimes referred to as a pre-cancerous condition, meaning that people who have Barrett’s are more likely to develop cancer of the oesophagus than people who do not.
Oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer is usually of two types. Adenocarcinoma usually occurs in the lower oesophagus at the junction with the stomach and is linked to Barrett’s oesophagus, even if this has not already been diagnosed. The second type is squamous cell carcinoma, which tends to affect the upper part of the oesophagus and is more strongly linked to smoking and alcohol.
HCUK supporter Chrissy runs unbelievable 52 marathons in 52 weeks - and she's not stopping there...

Chrissy Gorham lost her husband, John, to oesophageal cancer in 2018. She and John loved to run together and, since his death, she has continued to use running as a means of raising both funds for charity and awareness of the condition. Her achievements are quite outstanding...
Lifestyle changes

There are foods and substances that make reflux more likely. Avoiding or reducing certain food and drink may therefore reduce symptoms.
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Donate

Your donations allow us to continue our work in raising awareness of the early symptoms of oesophageal cancer, to provide essential information to the public and the medical profession and to support those affected by oesophageal cancer and Barrett's Oesophagus and their families.
Lands End to John O'Groats cycle

Cycling around 1000 miles, from Land’s End to John O’Groats, the furthest possible distance in the British Isles, is a classic challenge that many dream of. This is your opportunity to make that dream into a reality.
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Giving in memory of someone special can be a positive way to celebrate their life, as well as being of great comfort to friends and family. Our tribute funds create a lasting memorial to your loved one and are completely personal to you.