Our people

Kate Bratt-Farrar

CEO

I joined Heart Research UK as CEO in July 2019 and I love it! I have spent the last 18 years working in the Charity Sector at various organisations including Save the Children, Leeds Women’s Aid and Sue Ryder. I live in Bingley with my husband, twin girls and slightly overweight cat.

Email

Twitter

LinkedIn

Nicole Zepmeisel

Executive Assistant

I joined HRUK in January 2021. I support Kate and the charity’s boards and committees. I have worked in the charity sector for over 20 years in a variety of organisations. When not working I can be found dancing around my kitchen – I am a massive music fan!

Email

LinkedIn

Tom Smith

Director of Marketing and Communications

I joined Heart Research UK in 2018 as the new Head of Marketing and Communications where I am responsible for the internal and external marketing, promotion and advertising of all aspects of the organisation. I can honestly say that I love my job and working with such a great group of people. Will generally be found holding a large mug of coffee.

Email

Olivia Schofield

PR and Media Officer

I have worked for Heart Research UK since 2022 after graduating with a degree in Journalism. I now work as a PR and Media Officer to share stories and news with the wider media to showcase the amazing work Heart Research UK and its supporters do.  I love working for Heart Research UK, as it is an amazing cause and I’m excited to see the charity expand and grow. Outside of work, I’m an avid reader and a full-time dog mum!

Email

LinkedIn

Harriet Macvay

Social Media Assistant

I joined Heart Research UK shortly after finishing my degree in history. With a background in social media, content creation, and digital marketing, I really enjoy editing content for our channels. I pride myself on being a colorful character with a wardrobe to match! Outside of work, I watch an awful lot of Housewives.

Email

LinkedIn

Malavika Pillai

Marketing Communications Assistant

I joined Heart Research UK after completing my degree in English Studies, driven by a deep interest in languages and storytelling. I work in designing and developing communications, case studies and digital content for the charity. Being part of this amazing team and contributing to a cause close to my heart is truly fulfilling. Beyond work, you’ll find me immersed in classic crime novels, podcasts or thriller films. Excited for the journey ahead!

Email

Lauren Brown

Digital Marketing Manager (Maternity Cover)

I joined Heart Research UK in 2024 and am excited to take on my first role within the charity sector. I’ve been working in comms and marketing for over a decade and am passionate about finding accessible, user-centred digital solutions. Throughout my career, I have worked in both public and private sector organisations including LEEDS 2023, the NHS, Leeds Building Society and Sport England. Outside of work, you’ll find me binge watching true crime documentaries and hunting out the best brunch spots in Leeds.

Email

Kate Langton

Director of Research

I joined Heart Research UK in 2024 as Director of Research having spent over a decade delivering impact from university research in drug development. I oversee our research grant schemes and the expert review process required to select the research projects we fund. I am passionate about the ability of research to deliver patient benefit.

When not in work I enjoy yoga and love going to gigs.

Email

Sally Spawforth

PPI Officer & Senior Grants Administrator

I recruit and engage volunteers affected by heart diseases to be part of our Patient & Public Network (PPN) and Research Advisory Group (RAG). Sharing patients’ views helps shape future research, our policies, and services. Outside work you’ll find me at the gym, reading, walking my greyhound, or shopping for vintage finds.

Email

LinkedIn

Elinor Fowler

Research Information Officer

I support all aspects of the research team’s work, including the grant selection process, monitoring our current research projects, and generating communications about the impact of our work. Outside of work I love to cook, lift weights and go walking in my local North East countryside.

Email

LinkedIn

Holly Fleetwood

Acting Director of Health Promotion & Education

I have a passion for helping people to have access to, and live, an active and healthy lifestyle. I oversee all of our health improvement programmes, from community health checks, to workplace wellbeing offerings, clinical education and our health promotional resources. When I’m not at work you’ll usually find me watching football, cooking, playing playstation or attempting to sing and dance at karaoke!

Email

LinkedIn

Amie Lunn

Workplace Health & Wellbeing Specialist (Maternity Cover)

I joined HRUK in April 2022 and since then I have been involved in various health promotion programmes. Currently, I run our Healthy Hearts at Work programme supporting companies to implement specific nutrition and lifestyle interventions to support the heart health of their employees. As a Nutritional Therapist I take great enjoyment in helping individuals improve both their physical and mental health.

Email

LinkedIn

Lauren Hewitt

Health Promotion Support Officer (Maternity Cover)

I joined Heart Research UK in December 2023 and help to promote all things health. I am working on the Healthy Heart Grants programme and other health promotion initiatives, putting my training as an Associate Nutritionist into great practice. Outside of work you can find me taking a walk in the countryside or playing either cricket or rugby depending upon the time of year!

Email

Natasha Malin

Workplace Wellbeing Specialist

I started at HRUK in 2023, and lead the Healthy Hearts at Work programme, which includes co-ordinating the workplace health checks and employee coaching. Workplace interventions such as these have been show to improve health outcomes on both an individual and company-wide basis. Away from work, I can be found on the tennis court, the treadmill, or in the park with my two working cocker spaniels, Woody and Whiskey.

Email

LinkedIn

Barbara Amponsah

Community Health & Education Administrator

I became the Community Health & Education Administrator in June 2023. My previous experience includes working in schools, as well as being a learning and development professional and events manager. In this role I support the Community Health & Education Programme Manager in administering the Schools Programme, Physical Activity Toolkits, and Masterclasses. Beyond work, I have a passion for food and enjoy cooking Ghanaian dishes and exploring cuisines from around the world. I have the joy of keeping busy with my two boys at home.

Email

Chinwe Uzokwe

Healthy Hearts Coach 

I have interest in helping people achieve their personalized healthy eating goals and improve their health and wellbeing. I have academic training in Nutrition and Dietetics (BSc) and Public Health Nutrition (MSc). With these academic studies and years of experience, I am looking forward to using my knowledge and passion to empower people to make healthy lifestyle choices amidst the work-life challenges.

Corrina Ward

Healthy Hearts Coach 

After completing a placement with Heart Research UK as part of my MSc Nutrition, I was thrilled to be offered a role as a Healthy Heart Coach on the Healthy Hearts at Work programme. I am looking forward to using my knowledge, experience and passion for nutrition and behaviour change to empower people to improve their health and wellbeing. Having worked in a number of industries before returning to study, I can appreciate the challenges that work life presents in terms of our health and wellbeing goals.

Suzanne Vanden-Bossche

Healthy Hearts Coach 

I completed my placement with Heart Research UK in June 2021. The experiences gained compelled me to continue providing support within public health further. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity and progress further into a Healthy Hearts Coach and I am excited for more growth in the world of workplace health, public health, and management of long-term conditions. My academic background lies in Sport and Exercise Nutrition and Health Research. Outside of HRUK, you can find me playing the piano at church or tackling a new origami project!

Summan Malik

Healthy Hearts Coach 

I completed an undergraduate degree in Nutrition followed by a Masters degree. My work experience includes delivering the National Diabetes Prevention Programme and Diabetes Support Education Programme. This role helped me to recognise the barriers individuals may face when making dietary changes which can impact motivation and capability to make changes. I aim to support individuals to make positive lifestyle changes by taking these factors into account to improve health outcomes.

Daniel Jefferies

Healthy Hearts Coach 

I completed an undergraduate degree in Physical Activity, Health and Exercise Science and have since gone onto work for both the NHS and within the private healthcare sector. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of the Healthy Hearts at Work programme, as I love working with individuals to help improve their overall health and wellbeing, in a way that best suits them. When not at work, you can often find me on the golf course or the cricket pitch.

Kiran Atwal

Healthy Hearts Coach 

I have worked within the healthcare field for the past 7 years, specialising in the National Diabetes Prevention Programme, NHS Health checks & Smoking Cessation. I find it so rewarding helping individuals make healthy change ‘s to their lifestyle to improve their overall health. Away from work I like going shopping, to the cinema or you can find me at home reading a book.

Mary Campbell

Joint Director of Income Generation

I’m the joint Director of Income Generation at Heart Research UK. My role is to support the team and develop fundraising so that the organisation has the money it needs to tackle heart diseases, because too many of us have been affected by them in one way or another.

Email

LinkedIn

Francine Forster

Joint Director of Income Generation

I’m the Director of Income Generation at Heart Research UK and my daily motivation is our supporters. It’s so inspiring hearing what they are doing to raise money for our cause. They are the absolute backbone of our charity and are at the centre of everything we do, we’re proud of each and every one them.

Email

LinkedIn

Rachel Brooke

National Events and Campaigns Manager

I’ve been working at Heart Research UK since 2015 looking after Community and Events supporters, helping and guiding them through their fundraising journeys.  I also look after campaigns and appeals such as the Anonymous heART Project and Treasure Your Heart, as well as our celebrity supporters.

Email

LinkedIn

Lauren Askey

Corporate Partnerships Manager

I joined Heart Research UK in 2023 as Corporate Partnership Manager. I have worked in corporate fundraising for 5 years now and my role at HRUK is to grow the corporate fundraising income stream by building and developing meaningful partnerships with businesses whose values align with ours. Outside of work I am usually chasing around a toddler and an energetic springer spaniel.

Email

LinkedIn

Jess Harrison

In Memory and Legacy Marketing Officer

I joined Heart Research UK in 2022 as the In Memory and Legacy Marketing Officer. I help people who want to celebrate their lost loved ones by supporting us in their memory and I also promote fundraising through gifts in Wills. It’s such an honour to support people who give to us this way.

Email

LinkedIn

Lynn Stewart

Community Fundraiser, Heart of Scotland Appeal

I joined Hear Research UK in 2022, as the Community Fundraising Manager for Heart of Scotland Appeal. I work in communities throughout Scotland, building relationships, supporting individuals, committees and organisations, in their journeys to raise funds and awareness in Scotland. It is a privilege to work with our committed, enthusiastic and generous supporters. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, usually with food and fun involved!

Email

Pamela Hook

Supporter Care Officer

I support the Fundraising team at Heart Research UK with admin support, such as sending out letters and event packs, as well as keeping everything organised.  It’s always great to meet our lovely supporters at our events. In my spare time I enjoy sewing, paper crafting, gardening and baking.

Email

LinkedIn

Olena Pfirsch

Fundraising Assistant

I joined Heart Research UK in February 2023 as a Fundraising Assistant. I work with the Fundraising team to support our fabulous fundraisers in all their challenges – whether it’s virtually through our Facebook challenges or events such as the London Marathon and the Great North Run. I am book obsessed and play the saxophone.

Email

LinkedIn

Eleanor Procter

Fundraising Assistant

At Heart Research UK, I work in the corporate team identifying opportunities where our charity can support a business to deliver their goals and stand out amongst their competitors. When I am not in the office I love to walk in the Yorkshire Dales, spend time with my two dachshunds and eat a lot of good food!

Email

Angharad (Harry) Lambourne-Wade

Corporate Fundraiser

I joined Heart Research UK in June 2024 as a Corporate Fundraiser. I work with the fundraising team to support our corporate partners in their fundraising journey and to seek out new partnership opportunities. I love working for Heart Research UK and knowing our work is truly making a difference. Outside of work I can generally be found reading, crafting, and drinking too many cups of tea!

Email

Laure Rigal

Director of Projects, Insight and Data

I joined Heart Research UK in October 2020. Most of my prior career had been spent in the commercial sector working for companies such as BBC Worldwide, TUI as well as number of data specialist agencies. Working for a charity had been a long-standing ambition of mine and having had personal experience of heart diseases in the family I was delighted to be able to join the charity.

My role is very varied as I am responsible for projects, data and insight across the charity so there is never a dull moment!

Email

LinkedIn

Matt Hickling

Data Assistant

I am Heart Research UK’s Data Assistant, and I have been with the charity since 2016. My role is very varied, collecting and analysing data and working on the Heart Research UK database. Outside of work, I’m a passionate Leeds United fan, and live in hope that this may be the year they go up!

Email

Phil Newby

Director of Finance

I’m responsible for reporting, accounting and budgeting to get the best value from the valuable donations that Heart research UK receives. I hold a Master’s degree in Charity Accounting and Financial Management. I’ve worked in charity finance roles for the last 20+ years in range of charities, including in a small community centre to a large mental health organisation.

Email

Deb Sowden

Finance Assistant

I’ve worked at Heart Research UK since 2013 as a Finance Assistant.

I deal with allocating income, paying invoices and raising sales invoices. It’s always incredibly rewarding seeing the generous donations that Heart Research UK receives. Outside of work I’m a season ticket holder at Leeds Rhinos and enjoy walking.

Email

Richard Gledhill

IT and Office Administrator

I have been working for Heart Research UK since 2000, where I look after the office’s IT systems and requirements, as well as assisting everyone with administrative help and support.

Out of hours, I can mostly be found on the golf course or playing pool, as I’m rather good at both.

Email