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.
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!
Kate Bratt-Farrar
CEO
Nicole Zepmeisel
Executive Assistant
Marketing Team
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.
Joan McGregor
Digital Marketing Officer
I’ve worked for Heart Research UK since 2016 and it’s so exciting seeing first-hand how the charity and my role has grown across these years! Having the ability to share and implement new digital ideas at Heart Research UK is only a small part of why I love working here – I also love a cup of peppermint tea and yoga too!
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!
Tom Smith
Head of Marketing and Communications
Joan McGregor
Digital Marketing Officer
Matt Hickling
Marketing Assistant
Research Team
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.
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.
Helen Wilson
Head of Research
Sally Spawforth
Grants Administrator
Health Promotion and Education Team
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.
Dr Helen Flaherty
Head of Health Promotion and Education
Simon Taylor
Health Promotion Coordinator and Physiologist
I have a background in preventative healthcare and programme management and enjoy applying my knowledge to help improve people’s health and wellbeing. My role within the charity involves coordinating various wellbeing related projects including our Healthy Heart Mark, Healthy Heart Grants and Masterclass Programmes.
Simon Taylor
Health Promotion Coordinator and Physiologist
Holly Fleetwood
Health Promotion & Educational Specialist (Interim)
With a Sport Therapy BSc and Applied Sports Nutrition MSc I have a keen interest in the holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle. As the Health Promotion & Educational Specialist I oversee the school programmes, including the content and the development of computer and virtual reality games. I also work with Professors and Clinicians to provide information for children born with heart conditions live more active and healthy lives.
Holly Fleetwood
Health Promotion & Educational Specialist
Katie Rufus
Healthy Hearts Grant Administrator
I started at Heart Research UK in 2020, and I feel very grateful to work for such a great charity. My role is to support the smooth running of the Healthy Heart Community Grants.
When I am not working, you are most likely to find me at the park with my daughter, Elsie.
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.
Jack Lloyd
Health Education Administrator
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. Once completing my apprenticeship, I welcomed the opportunity to join the Health Promotion & Education team where 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.
Katie Rufus
Healthy Hearts Grant Administrator
Lucy Todd
Physiologist and Health Promotion and Education Specialist
Jack Lloyd
Health Education Administrator
Fundraising Team
Mary Campbell
Head of Income Generation (Interim)
I joined Heart Research UK in 2020 as Head of Fundraising. Having fundraised for 16 years at various charities, my role is to support the team and develop fundraising so that the charity can achieve its aims. I live in Leeds and can usually be found at a park with my three young children.
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.
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.
Mary Campbell
Head of Income Generation (Interim)
Rachel Brooke
Community Engagement
Isabel McKenzie
Corporate Development
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.
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.
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.
Amanda Donaldson
Heart of Scotland Senior Fundraiser
Pamela Hook
Supporter Care Officer
Fran Shilton
Head of Income Generation
Midlands Team
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.
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.
John Lloyd
Midlands Regional Executive
Joanne Madden
Midlands Admin and Events
Finance, Data and IT Team
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.
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.
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.
Phil Newby
Head of Finance
Deb Sowden
Finance Assistant
Richard Gledhill
IT and Office Administrator
Laure Rigal
Data Manager
I joined Heart Research UK as Data Manager in October 2020. Most of my career so far has been in the commercial sector working for companies such as BBC Worldwide, TUI as well as number of data specialist agencies. Working for a charity has been a long standing ambition of mine so it’s fantastic to be here! I live in Huddersfield with my husband, our dog, cat and two hens!
Laure Rigal
Data Manager
