The board of Trustees have been carefully selected for their broad range of expert skills and vast experience in the health and commercial sector.
They are responsible for the overall work of the charity by setting objectives and monitoring progress.
The Trustees don’t hold back when it comes to ground level support, and you will frequently see them getting stuck into volunteering. Whether it’s placing collection tins, leading a research project, running exhibition stands, or participating in sporting events to raise funds, the Trustees are hands-on and passionate about the charity’s success.
Bowel Cancer West Chairman and Founder, Consultant Surgeon
Mark Coleman
Mark has been a Consultant Surgeon at University Hospitals Plymouth since 2001 and is the Clinical Director of Colorectal Surgery. He has been helping patients with bowel cancer as a consultant and junior doctor for nearly 40 years. He has a global reputation in bowel cancer surgery with multiple lectures and publications all over the world. Mark lives on the rain-soaked edge of Dartmoor with his wife, Jilly, son James and a variety of hairy and feathered additional family members. A huge cycling enthusiast, he has pedalled many a mile to raise funds for Bowel Cancer West over the years.
Bowel Cancer West Director, Development Director, Formedia Marketing and PR
Jonathan Mills
Originally from Plymouth, Jonathan has a 20-year career in marketing and his experience covers a range of sectors, including charities. He supports Bowel Cancer West using his day-to-day skills and has an address book of contacts that’s unrivalled. His company developed the original on-line Lapco Surgical Training Programme which highlighted to him the importance of communicating the message about bowel cancer. His involvement with our organisation is important to expand our reach and the understanding of those who hear about us. Jonathan lives in Plymouth with his family, and he is a keen motorsport enthusiast who prefers taking part to watching it.
Bowel Cancer West Director, Teacher
Sima Davarian
Sima is a secondary school English teacher in Plymouth. After her own diagnosis during pregnancy and subsequent treatment for bowel cancer at the age of 34, Sima has used any opportunity possible to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer and to talk about all aspects of her experiences honestly and openly.
Sima was delighted to join the board of Bowel Cancer West and support its vital work. She lives in Plymouth with her husband and daughter and their feline and canine friends.
Bowel Cancer West Director, NHS Manager
Diane Sheppard
Diane is a qualified nurse who has spent many years as a ward sister at bowel surgery wards in three separate hospitals. Diane has seen first-hand the impact of patients not recognising their symptoms early or denying their symptoms. Diane is very keen to support raising awareness of bowel cancer and its symptoms as well as supporting health promotion.
Bowel Cancer West Trustee
Philip Menis
A new member to Bowel Cancer West, Philip went through bowel cancer three years ago.
Now retired, he was previously a carpenter builder working on lots of projects throughout the South Hams and Plymouth. He hopes to contribute to Bowel Cancer West through fundraising, helping out with the running of functions and also assisting people through the process of being told they have cancer.