TEAM
Meet Our Team
Our Amazing People
Meet the Faces Behind Our Mission
At CBC - Cancer Black Care, our strength lies in the dedication and passion of our amazing team members. Each individual brings unique skills, compassion, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Get to know the people who drive our mission forward.
Frank Chinegwundoh
My name is Professor Francis Chinegwundoh MBE. I have been the Chairman of Cancer Black Care since 1998. I was awarded an MBE for services to the NHS and urology in 2013.
My day job is as a Consultant Urological Surgeon at Barts Health NHS Trust, since 1996. I have a special interest in prostate cancer.
It was my research that showed that, in the UK, black men have twice the risk of developing prostate cancer as white men, and twice the risk of dying from prostate cancer. Furthermore, black men are younger when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer.
In 2022, I received the accolade of Freedom of the City of London, for my medical and charitable services.
Mekor Newman
I am Mekor Newman, Co-founder & Director at NewmanFrancis Ltd, I have over 30 years of expertise in community engagement, regeneration, Housing Management, coupled with extensive experience in Social Value strategies, Stakeholder engagement and delivering & facilitating training to a variety of audiences.
In previous roles as an Independent Chair and facilitator for various organisations, I can demonstrate my dedication to inclusive decision-making.
I have a passion for creating culturally appropriate solutions which aligns with CBC's goal of providing relevant information and support to those affected by cancer within Black communities and People of Colour. My wealth of knowledge and commitment to community well-being make me an ideal Trustee for Cancer Black Care.
Wendy Blenman
I am Wendy Blenman, a London-based Experienced Qualified Integrative Counsellor, Clinical & Reflective Supervisor, Specialist Mentor, Coach, Lecturer, Workshop Leader, CPCAB Trainer and Systemic Family Practitioner working in Private Practice. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN).
My mother was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer in 1997 and was diagnosed with secondary cancer in 2018. Mum sadly died in June 2022. My father also died of cancer in 2008. I also had a rare cancer in 2007 but was fortunate that it was detected at stage one and treated.
I have had a long and keen interest in grief work and advocacy for people impacted by cancer and I have delivered workshops on bereavement & loss.
I am passionate about supporting young people, individuals, and families with challenges such as relationships, trauma, bereavement, and loss. I also bring an intuitive, holistic approach to my work.
My wealth of experience has allowed me to advocate on behalf of people and families to have a voice and their rights exercised making me an ideal trustee for Cancer Black Care.
Karen Eastmond
My name is Karen Eastmond. I am proud to be a new Trustee for Cancer Black Care. I look forward to helping to elevate the profile of Cancer Black Care and to raise the particular, unique needs of our people to those instrumental in affecting our care.
In my day job I work in IT as a software implementation specialist and have worked in the financial services sector for 20 years. I hope to be able to use my experience of working with C-suite clientele to ask the questions that need to be asked and push for answers when there's silence.
I have worked for The Film and TV Charity, formerly the CTBF (Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund) working on their events, membership and fundraising strategies.
Unfortunately, cancer has touched my family one too many times. My dear mother had cancer when I was 10 and she was 38. Even back then, she was steely and used her inner strength to make seemingly drastic decisions that saved her life. My mum celebrated her 76th birthday this year! (2023), My father did not fear so well and passed away, just 6 months after diagnosis, from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. In my extended family, I have had aunts and cousins and even an uncle who lost his 10-year+ battle with cancer in January 2023. To coin a phrase, I am empathetic to the cause and have the resilience and fortitude to push for change.
I know what I would like for those affected by cancer. To raise awareness, to aid prevention, and to proffer holistic care at the time when they are most in need.
I will bring a new set of business skills, provide process and results-based strategies to do the necessary work and support that underpins a successful charity.
Dr Eva McGrowder
My name is Dr Eva McGrowder (PhD). I was appointed as a Trustee of Cancer Black Care in 2023. I gained my BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry with Pharmacology at the University of Surrey, then later followed by my PhD in Cancer Studies (breast cancer research) at the University of Birmingham. I then worked at the University of Oxford as a Post-doctoral Research Scientist focusing on DNA repair in bladder cancer.
My current job is as a Research Study Coordinator within the Oncogenetics Team at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, since 2016. Our team focuses on genetics and prostate cancer research. I manage a range of prostate cancer clinical trials and screening studies. I have a long-standing interest in cancer research, and I have worked on multiple types of cancer including breast, bladder and now prostate cancer. My current role involves raising awareness of prostate cancer risk, particularly in Black men.
In my spare time, you will either find me volunteering for my local hospice; doing bell ringing; or taking ballroom dancing lessons – I hope to improve on the latter one day
Erica Edwards
Hello, I’m Erica Edwards, an experienced accountant with four decades of expertise in managing accounting functions across various industries, including charities. The profound impact of cancer on my life, having lost both my beloved husband and my best friend of over 40 years to this disease, has inspired me to contribute my accounting skills and business acumen to Cancer Black Care as a Trustee. My goal is to ensure that individuals of colour confronting a cancer diagnosis have a dedicated place to turn for advice and support.
Paul Campbell
With over 3 decades of experience working with vulnerable, excluded, marginalised groups and families in the social care sector, Paul is passionate about empowering the learning, personal and social development of people.
As a dedicated CEO, Paul Campbell has faced the battle with cancer, he embodies resilience, empathy, and a profound understanding of the unique challenges and struggles that black cancer patients encounter. Their own journey has fuelled their determination to eliminate disparities in cancer care, promote early detection, and provide unwavering support to those affected by cancer.
Jean Gilkes
Natalie Forbes
Jean Ambrose
My name is Jean Ambrose. I have worked in the production of a monthly campaigning journal ‘Race Today’, and in my small domestic housekeeping business.
I became a facilitator for Cancer Black Care in South East London from 2005 to the present day.
I have worked also in the legal profession for the local authority and also in corporate companies.
I have worked alongside my son in his film Production Company in which we have won many acclaimed awards, one of which from the Mayor of London’s office.
I am a keen socialiser and enjoy nothing more than being around my family and friends, cooking and eating.
Some retail therapy does me wonders for my health, listening and dancing to music is top of my hobbies list.
Rawle Price
Greetings, I am Rawle and I first joined Cancer Black Care in 2003 as a member.
I met a lot of really helpful and caring people who understood the meaning of Cancer Black Care.
I went on to represent Cancer Black Care in a number of speaking engagements and conferences. I became a volunteer facilitator in 2005, and I have spoken to many individuals about health issues, especially prostate cancer.
I visited Wales to lead a group for Macmillan and was the chairperson for (Spills) Support Partnership Including Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.
I have supported various cancer groups and have undertaken outreach to support individuals and communities by talking about good health practices.
In the past, I worked within the electrical and engineering field doing various roles.
Join us
Be Part of Our Community
Join the CBC - Cancer Black Care Team
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the fight against cancer? Join us in our mission to empower the Black community. Explore volunteering opportunities, become a supporter, or explore careers with CBC.
Together, we can make a difference.