Skip over main navigation
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
Addison's Disease Self-Help Group
Emergency Help Join Us COVID-19
Menu
  • About Addison's Disease
    • Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
      • Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 19/01/2021
      • Vaccines and Adrenal Insufficiency
    • What is Addison's Disease?
    • Newly diagnosed?
    • Living With Addison's Disease
    • Information for patients
    • Children and Young Adults
    • Information for employers
    • Downloadable publications
    • Research
      • Research Grants
      • 2020 Research Awards
      • Research Application
    • A-Z of Addison's Resources
  • Medics
    • COVID-19: Clinical Management guidance: Adrenal Insufficiency
    • Information for Paramedics and A&E
      • Emergency Treatment Information
      • Paramedic Training for Adrenal Crisis Management
      • JRCALC 2017 guidelines on adrenal crisis
    • Information for clinicians
  • Membership latest
    • ADSHG Member Online News Feed
    • Magazine
      • Magazine - Winter 2020
      • Magazine - Summer 2020
      • Magazine - Winter 2019
      • All Magazines
    • Online forums (members-only)
    • Member's Social Meetings
    • Events
  • About us
    • Contact us
    • What we do
    • Our team
    • Our history - 35 years young!
    • Addison's Ireland
    • Our clinical advisors
    • Useful links to other organisations
    • Privacy Policy
  • Get involved
    • Fundraising
      • Fundraising for the ADSHG
      • Fundraising ideas
      • Set up a fundraising page
      • Support one of our fundraisers
    • Become a member
    • Volunteering
    • Research
      • Research Grants
      • 2020 Research Awards
      • Research Application
    • Leave a legacy
  • News
    • News Homepage
    • Blog Homepage
    • Magazine
    • ADSHG on Facebook
    • ADSHG on Twitter
    • ADSHG on Instagram
    • ADSHG Press Releases
    • Events
  • Shop
    • Shop
    • Shop terms & conditions
  • Donate
    • Support one of our fundraisers
    • Donate to the ADSHG
    • Donate while you shop
  • Forum
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  1. About us
  2. Our team

Our Team

Our charity is governed by a team of volunteer trustees in accordance with our constitution and run day-to-day by a Operations Manager, supported by our wonderful community of volunteers.

Board of Trustees

The charity has 10 trustees with a Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer & Deputy Treasurer roles. The trustees may be contacted by email at [email protected]

Andrew Glass, OBE.

Chair of Board of Trustees

Originally from Cheshire, Andrew Glass has spent most of his adult life living overseas. Andrew is currently Director of the British Council in Thailand and leads its work across South East Asia.

He has also worked for the British Council in Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Germany, UK, Serbia and Kuwait. His first degree was in German and Politics and he followed this up with an MA in Teaching English and a Diploma in Management. Andrew was awarded an OBE in the March 2012 Honours, list for his work in cultural relations.

He was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease in 2001 after a long period of illness. He first contributed to the group as a writer for the Newsletter where he shared his experiences of living with Addison’s Disease in far-flung places and became a trustee in 2014. He became Chair in June 2018 during his second term as a trustee.

Andrew can be contacted via email : [email protected]

Stuart Pinkerton.

Honorary Treasurer

Stuart has a family member who was diagnosed with Addison’s in 2010 and joined ADSHG at that time. He found the ADSHG invaluable for advice and support, especially in the first years.  He has been a Dental Surgeon for 35 years working in Scotland and in Australia before settling in Oxford. Since 1990, he has run a successful Dental Practice in Oxfordshire.

For 10 years he was involved in his son’s football team being manager and treasurer. He  was also ran their website. One of his most important tasks was to raise sponsorship which proved successful in keeping the yearly subscriptions affordable for the boys and their families. For a couple of seasons the team supported the Oxford Children’s Hospital by having their logo on their shirts.

Rachel Bracken.

Trustee & Addison's Ireland Coordinator

Rachel joined the ADSHG a few days after being diagnosed with Addisons in September 2011 and immediately felt tremendous support and formed great friendships with other members. She attended the Irish AGM in Spring 2012 and offered to help in any way possible. Together with another member, who worked in the Irish ambulance service and whose son was newly diagnosed with Addison's, I got an adrenal crisis ambulance protocol implemented throughout the Republic of Ireland by 2015. In early 2018 the previous Irish coordinator stepped down and Rachel gladly took up challenge and we have lots of exciting projects on the go!  She really loves helping and giving something back to the charity that has helped her family so much. 

Dom Hargreaves, MBE.

Trustee

"I was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease in 2004, after a three year battle with a variety of “illnesses” – all whilst operating in Army roles in remote, hostile and austere areas of the world, with little continuity of medical care. A local British GP observed that my medical file was very thick and her feeling was that the doctors were missing something. She took decisive action which has ultimately saved my life, what a relief! My diagnosis with this chronic illness led to my leaving the military after 23 years, in pursuit of a new career. Since my diagnosis I have managed my health actively and that has allowed me to pursue a new career in business and engineering – still in remote, austere places but in generally less hostile environments.


I am volunteering to become a trustee of the Addison’s Disease Self Help Group, as the charity allowed me to recover the confidence to live my life to the full, after diagnosis. This was through the web forum, general meetings and informal gatherings of Addison’s sufferers. I feel that it is now time for me to put back into the organisation – as both a sufferer and a businessman. In addition as a father of three children, I am keen to shape the Group’s future medical research. I’d like to focus this research not only on living with the illness and its treatment, but preventative pre-diagnosis measures for this and other endocrine conditions." 

Lisa Shepherd, RN (Adult), MSc, BSc (Hons), Dip H.E, NMP.

Trustee

Endocrinology Advanced Nurse Practitioner, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. HEE/NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow, University of Birmingham.


Lisa has worked in endocrinology since 1999, and currently is lead Advanced Nurse Practitioner at HSG, now part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

Within this role she case load manages patients with endocrine disorders, running nurse led clinics and supporting Consultant and other multidisciplinary clinics. This includes diagnosis and performing dynamic function tests, treatment, management and education of patients with long term, highly complex needs. Her area of interest is adrenal insufficiency and the support and management ofpatients with this condition. Her research has looked at the knowledge and experience of patients with Addison ’s disease and this work is being further developed during her PhD. She is also an active member of the Society for Endocrinology (SfE) Nurse Committee since 2
007, including Chair, and an executive board member of the Federation of International Nurses in Endocrinology (F.I.N.E.). She is a member of the ADSHG and is passionate about improving the care of patients with Addison’s disease, working with patients their relatives and healthcare professionals to achieve this.

Dr Helen Simpson, FRCP, PhD.

Trustee

I have a broad clinical experience within endocrinology, with particular interest in late effects, young adult/transition endocrinology, neuroendocrine tumours and inherited endocrine tumour syndromes, Turner Syndrome, DSD and pituitary disease. I am currently focusing on late effects and transition services, and patient safety, in particular for adrenal insufficiency.

I am an active member of the Society for Endocrinology and Editor of The Endocrinologist.

I am also a member of the RCP Patient Safety Committee and part of the National Medicine Safety Joint Working Group. I am currently working with RCP, SfE and NHSE&I to launch a new Emergency Steroid Card. 

I am excited to have the opportunity to support members of ADSHG and I look forward to working with the team.

Dr Steve Kell, OBE BMed Sci BM BS MRCGP.

Trustee

Steve has been a GP for 20 years and is a Managing Partner at Larwood Health Partnership in Worksop. He was awarded an OBE in 2014, for services to primary care. 

“I have also been a GP commissioner, serving as Bassetlaw CCG Chair and Co-Chair of NHS Clinical Commissioners. I have recently been a Non-Executive Director at Primary Health Properties PLC, and I am a member of the Governing Body of Primary Care Commissioning CIC. I was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease in 2017. I continue to work as a full-time GP and I look forward to working with the board of ADSHG for the benefit of all members and patients. “ 

Robert McClements.

Robert is a career banking professional who has successfully led teams in that complex environment. 

 
“I have worked in challenging corporate situations where leadership and organisational skills have been paramount.

As a member of a bank’s senior leadership team, I link the bank's Board and key staff - always with a view to improving both the business and customer service. 

I am very keen on this opportunity to use these corporate skills and my experience to benefit ADSHG at board level. The organisation is close to my heart as my daughter is affected by Addison's Disease and so I know how important the charity's information and support services are to both member patients and the medical profession. 

I look forward to being able to make a difference as an elected trustee. “ 

Tag McEntegart.

Trustee

Tag is a powerful communicator and innovative arts and science research and development professional, with nearly 30 years worldwide management and leadership experience, especially valued for her field work in culturally challenging and conflict-sensitive contexts. 

 
“I have worked with people at all levels of power and powerlessness – from Government Minsters to kindergarteners. I am a well-

respected manager, facilitator, teacher, trainer and team-builder with wide and deep experience of strategy and policy planning and implementation in several development sectors. 


I worked for the
 Samaritans for 10 years as a volunteer, trainer and leader and I was previously a trustee of the Addison’s Disease Self Help Group from 2004 to 2014. I am also an accredited humanist celebrant, conducting funerals,
 weddings, civil partnerships and namings."

Phillip Kaye.

Trustee

Phillip is a solicitor who runs a legal practice in Hertfordshire. He was co-opted during 2019 and has been formally elected at the AGM for a three-year term.  
 
“I have been diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency for about two years now and so I am very pleased to be a member of the charity. I am a semi-retired solicitor in private practise and last year I was co-opted as a Trustee for my legal experience. 

I will be delighted to continue providing legal expertise to the charity as well as assisting more broadly to help the organisation fulfil its objectives. “ 

Operations Manager

Vick Smith.

Vick was diagnosed with Addisons and Pernicious Anaemia in 2006 (Type 1 Diabetes followed in 2019) and thanks to the ADSHG website she was able, straightaway to explore what this might mean and chat online to other people with Addison's. Her fondness for the ADSHG began there and it has been her health guardian ever since. 

With a background in digital roles in banking, Vick encouraged the ADSHG to try to reach out on social media back in 2014. Working with Pippa she's enjoyed posting about the efforts of #TeamAddisons who take on so many challenges and also making sure people with Addison's can quickly find the information and support they need through Facebook. Since 2018 Vick has been the Norwich Social Meeting organiser and since January 2020 our Operations Manager. 

Digital Communications and Engagement Officer 

Pippa Sharman.

Pippa was diagnosed with Addison’s and underactive thyroid when she was 15 years old. The ADSHG website guided her through her school and university years. So having benefited hugely from the charity’s resources, she wanted to further strengthen the ADSHG’s online presence to reach more young people.

Pippa began volunteering for the ADSHG in 2014, when she set up and managed the Addison’s Twitter account @AddisonsUK. Seeing people with Addison’s alongside medics, sharing news and opinions, engaging and learning, inspired Pippa’s passion to reach and engage with the Addison’s community. She set up the ADSHG Instagram account in 2020 managing the day to day of all the social media accounts with Vick as a volunteer whilst attending fundraising and endocrine events. 

Following the vital news coverage and support that was required of the ADSHG during COVID-19, Pippa has worked as the Digital Communication and Engagement Officer since September 2020. Pippa’s interest in research led her to participating in NHS research trials to further medical knowledge into Addison’s. When her head isn’t stuck in a book or computer, she can be found out enjoying long walks with her dog!

Clinical Advisory Panel 

Our Clinical Advisors

Our Charitable Constitution

Our charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) regulated by the Charity Commission. The charity is run in accordance with our constitution for the benefit of people affected by Addison's Disease in the United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland. 

Published: 22nd February, 2019

Updated: 10th February, 2021

Author:

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Rare Disease Day 2021

    Rare Disease Day 2021

    Rare Disease Day is on Sunday 28th February 2021! Find out how you join the whole rare disease community to raise awareness and share the #RareReality of your life with Addison's and adrenal insufficiency.

  • Kristian’s Story: Adapting to Addison’s

    Kristian’s Story: Adapting to Addison’s

    Kristian was diagnosed when he was 16 years old. Now 25, he shares with us how he's adapted to life with Addison's and how this determination has influenced his career in the creative arts.

  • Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 22/02/2021

    Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 22/02/2021

    Our medics have been keeping an eye on the emerging situation. This page is up to date but we will continue updating it regularly as we find out more information from the government.

  • ADSHG sponsor CoMICs members for #eECE 2022 – supporting the next generation of Endocrinologists

    ADSHG sponsor CoMICs members for #eECE 2022 – supporting the next generation of Endocrinologists

    Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group (ADSHG) are delighted to announce their sponsorship of 3 CoMICs team members to the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) Conference in 2022.

Most read

  • Updated NHS Steroid Card Released

    Updated NHS Steroid Card Released

    Following the early release of the new NHS Steroid Emergency Card back in March to keep patients with Addison's or adrenal insufficiency safe during the COVID-19 crisis, the NHS steroid card has been updated and physical copies will be available to order from Tuesday 18th August 2020 for hospital teams!

  • New Video: Managing medication and COVID-19 - 29/03/2020

    New Video: Managing medication and COVID-19 - 29/03/2020

    In our latest video, ADSHG Trustee and Professor of Endocrinology explains how to manage your medication should you get ill in the coming weeks.

  • Behind the News: Hydrocortisone as a Covid-19 Treatment - 09/12/2020

    Behind the News: Hydrocortisone as a Covid-19 Treatment - 09/12/2020

    In recent days, UK news networks have been sharing a story about new studies hailing Hydrocortisone as a Covid-19 treatment. We asked our medics to review the research and the emerging stories so that we can give you a balanced perspective while also updating you on any impacts to the drug supplies we depend on.

  • New UK Rare Diseases Framework launched

    New UK Rare Diseases Framework launched

    On 9 January 2021, the Department of Health and Social Care published the UK Rare Diseases Framework. But what does this policy mean for those with Addison’s disease, adrenal insufficiency and the rare disease community as a whole?

  • Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine - Personal Stories

    Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine - Personal Stories

    The COVID-19 vaccination campaign has kicked off - but what does it feel like to receive the COVID-19 vaccine? People with Addison's and adrenal insufficiency share their experiences of receiving the vaccine.

  • Research Update - Professor Arlt's Perspective - 17/03/2020

    Research Update - Professor Arlt's Perspective - 17/03/2020

    In 2017, Weibke Arlt, a member of our Clinical Advisory Panel, published research about Addison's and natural killer cells. In recent weeks, it's gone viral in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. We asked her to give her perspectives on what that means for us. She kindly tweeted her responses yesterday.

  • Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 22/02/2021

    Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 22/02/2021

    Our medics have been keeping an eye on the emerging situation. This page is up to date but we will continue updating it regularly as we find out more information from the government.

  • Vaccines and Adrenal Insufficiency

    Vaccines and Adrenal Insufficiency

    Vaccines and Adrenal Insufficiency - if you have Addison's Disease or another form of adrenal insufficiency, which vaccines should you have? Is it safe to be vaccinated? What do you need to know before you go for a jab?

  • Easing lockdown: How are you feeling? - 10/5/2020

    Easing lockdown: How are you feeling? - 10/5/2020

    It's important to remember you're not alone in experiencing a range of emotions after adapting to lockdown life.

  • [Superceded] EJE Guidance: Managing Adrenal Insufficiency in the time of COVID-19 - 21/04/2020

    [Superceded] EJE Guidance: Managing Adrenal Insufficiency in the time of COVID-19 - 21/04/2020

    the European Journal of Endocrinology (EJE) editoral board has commissioned a new guidance series for the management of endocrine conditions during COVID-19. Included within this is clinical guidance for the management of Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency. Here we take a look at this vital new guidance, so you can get a clearer view of what this means for you or your loved ones.

Tag cloud

AGM Conference Ireland sidebar
Research Grants

Research Grants

Our charity is at the forefront of medical research into Addison's Disease. Help us fund medical researchers working in this important field of endocrine research. Read more

Published: 22nd February, 2019

Updated: 19th February, 2021

Author:

Related topics:
  • Research

Find us

Our Registered Office 
Starling House
1600 Bristol Parkway North
Bristol
BS34 8YU

Links

  • Contact us
  • Media Centre
  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Shop terms & Conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Our policies

Follow us

  • Search
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Genetic Alliance logo Rare Disease logo

Copyright © Addison's Disease Self-Help Group Registered as Charity number 1179825

The information contained within this website is not intended to provide clinical diagnosis and/or personalised medical advice. It should not be treated as such. Always seek the advice of your doctor or a health care professional before starting any new treatment for your underlying condition. While we have taken every care to compile accurate information to reflect the current state of knowledge, we cannot guarantee its correctness and completeness. The information provided in this website does not constitute business, medical or other professional advice, and is subject to change. In no event will the Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group or any of the contributors be responsible or liable directly or indirectly, for damages or liabilities relating in any way to the use (or misuse) of information contained within or referred to in this website.