The HCUK office team is headed up by Fee Labrooy as Operations Manager. She is assisted by Operations Executives Jess Harris and Nikki Foulkes and Executive Assistant Claire Thomas. 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! 

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.

Claire Thomas - Executive Assistant

I am a newbie to the HCUK, joining in February 2022, but I am proud to say I am part of the team!

I lost my mum to cancer in 1998 and have been touched by this unforgiving disease in various forms in many ways since – some with incredible stories of survival and some who have lost their very brave battle.  I have taken part in several events to raise money for charity and my sons also get involved in fundraising.

My past experience has been working in schools and hospitals as well as the big, wide, corporate world and hope that I can bring a wealth of experience and passion to the already incredible group of people who make up HCUK.

My spare time is mostly taken up being a wife and mother to my two teenage boys but when I do have some downtime I like curling up with a good book and a cat on my lap, taking my dog for a walk in the country and cooking for friends.