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.

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Sam Wells

Deputy Chief Executive

I’m the Deputy Chief Executive at Heart Research UK and I’m responsible for the smooth running of operations at the organisation, a feat I occasionally achieve. With the exception of dressing up as our Mascot Hartley, I love every aspect of the job, especially working with such a great team!

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Tom Smith

Head 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.

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Joan McGregor

Digital Marketing Officer

The first thing you need to know about me is that I LOVE the Digital world! I’ve worked for Heart Research UK since 2016 and it’s so exciting seeing first-hand how the charity has integrated new digital tools into everything that we do. I also love a cup of peppermint tea and yoga too!

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Dan Raymond

Press and Media Officer

I’ve been with Heart Research UK since 2018, and handle the charity’s press and media coverage, and put together Pulse, our bi-annual charity magazine. Outside of work, I spend my time watching and playing football and I really enjoy food – both eating and cooking!

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Matt Hickling

Marketing Assistant

I am Heart Research UK’s Marketing Assistant, and I have been with the charity since 2016. My role is very varied, helping with social media, collecting and analysing data and working on the Heart Research UK website. I also look after our internal communications. Outside of work, I’m a passionate Leeds United fan, and live in hope that this may be the year they go up!

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Francine Shilton

Head of Income generation

I’m the Head of Fundraising 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.

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Rachel Brooke

Community Engagement

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.

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Isabel McKenzie

Corporate Development

I’ve been at Heart Research UK since 2018, supporting businesses of all sizes who fundraise for us. This includes our fantastic long term partners, businesses who choose us as their charity of the year partner, or who want to fundraise with one big team challenge or event.

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Abigail Twinn

Trusts and Legacies

I’ve been at Heart Research UK since 2017. I look after all our supporters who raise money in memory of loved ones, and those who decide to leave us money in their Will. It’s sometimes emotional but is an incredibly rewarding job. I also write to trusts and foundations and ask them to support all our exciting projects.

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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.

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Helen Wilson

Head of Research

I manage the Charity’s research portfolio, focusing on supporting the highest quality science and the best scientists. My role involves developing our strategy, managing the grants-selection process, evaluating research projects, and ensuring effective communication to disseminate findings.

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Sally Spawforth

Grants Administrator

I support  Heart Research UK’s research and community grants processes. From application stage, to award and through to completion, I ensure that funding is used in line with the requirements of the grant. I also assist with the organisation of our Masterclasses.

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Dr Helen Flaherty

Head of Health Promotion

As a registered Public Health Nutritionist, I have a keen interest in dietary behaviour change. In my role as Head of Health Promotion, myself and my team manage the Healthy Heart Grants and deliver healthy heart checks in in communities and workplaces.

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Lucy Todd

Exercise Physiologist & Heart Academy Development Officer

I work with a tech team to create computer games and virtual reality experiences to inspire school children to look after their hearts, with topics such as physical activity and balanced diets. I also create resources to help children who are born with a heart condition become more active and live healthier, happier and longer lives.

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Phil Newby

Head 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.

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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.

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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.

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John Lloyd

Midlands Regional Executive

I’ve been Heart Research UK Midlands Regional Executive since 2007, and I feel so fortunate that I was given the opportunity to work for a charity that has achieved so much in it’s history. The local community and businesses in the Midlands have embraced what we continue to do in our region, which is reflected in their overwhelming generosity.

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Joanne Madden

Midlands Admin and Events

I joined the Midlands team in 2012 and am very proud to be a part of Heart Research UK’s achievements. The passion and generosity from the local community is always an inspiration and it’s a pleasure fundraising alongside them for pioneering medical research, ground-breaking training and education to improve heart health.

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Jack Lloyd

Business Administration Apprentice

After starting as a volunteer at the young age of 14, I’m excited to have progressed to being Heart Research UK Midlands’ first ever apprentice. I’m proud to be able to contribute to a charity that not only funds pioneering medical research but also inspires communities to improve their heart health for themselves.

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Amanda Donaldson

Heart of Scotland Senior Fundraiser 

I joined Heart Research UK in 2019. I work on fundraising for the Heart of Scotland Appeal. It takes me all over Scotland, and I’m based in Edinburgh. When I’m not working, you can find me doing yoga, baking, or climbing a mountain somewhere in Scotland with my two dogs, Doug & Herbie.

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