Our Staff & Volunteers
The BANA team comprises employees at our Head Office in Chesterfield, our Board of Trustees, plus a host of volunteers from around the country who act as area support group leaders, fundraisers and area group administration roles.
Board of Trustees
Craig is a patient advocate and medical writer/manager working in the medical communications area in patient engagement. He started his career in this space more than 20 years ago. Craig is passionate about helping people understand complex concepts and language, particularly in the medical field. This work aims to help people truly understand the information they’re being given, so that they’re empowered to make informed health and wellbeing decisions that are right for them. Craig believes that everyone should have access to clear information. His areas of interest include medical ethics, informed consent, health literacy, AI, insights gathering and health psychology.
Craig was diagnosed with an AN/VS in 2015 and received gamma-knife treatment in 2017. His scan results since 2017 have been reassuring.
“I am delighted to be a part of BANA as Trustee and Chair, and look forward to helping the Charity grow and evolve to support as many people as possible, in the ways they need.”
Board of Trustees
| James is an experienced Management Accountant, having worked across a range of business sectors across three continents. His last role was as Finance Manager at a Medical Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia, where he gained a great insight into the workings of Medical Research.
James was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma in 2016, whilst living in Australia, and had it surgically removed in October of that year. In adapting to life post-surgery James decided to leave his job and ultimately to return to the UK in 2019. He now considers himself retired. James joined BANA upon his return to the UK, attending his first support group soon after where he volunteered to help with the BANA finances and soon became a trustee. After a spell away from BANA he returned to help with finances in 2023, became a Trustee again in 2024 and recently became Vice Chairman. James is an enthusiastic cyclist, often to be found clad in Lycra cycling the lanes of Leicestershire, and a lifelong fan of Liverpool FC. “Coping with everything an Acoustic Neuroma throws at you can be a long and difficult journey. Having other people who “get it” and can share their experiences is a great help. It is the facilitating of this that I feel is one of BANA’s great strengths. I look forward to hopefully helping make other people’s journey a bit smoother than mine has been”
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Board of Trustees
| Andrew works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust as a Finance Business Partner. He joined the NHS as a graduate trainee in 2005 and has worked in NHS finance roles in Plymouth since. Andrew enjoys working with clinical and managerial colleagues to make finance more accessible and has been involved in various projects and business cases that support patients with skull-based tumours.
Andrew was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma in 2014. Due to the size of the tumour an operation soon followed, and another the following year to further debulk the residual tumour. After that, stereotactic radiosurgery was used to stop the tumour growing any further. He continues to have annual surveillance scans. I am honoured to represent the BANA Board as Treasurer and want to give back to a charity that supported me so well during my diagnosis and subsequent treatment. |
Sue is an Audiologist, Hearing Therapist and Hearing Aid Dispenser. Currently running her own private hearing healthcare practice in North Yorkshire after a 35 year career as an Audiologist.
After training in the NHS in Bradford Sue became involved in training other Audiologists whilst working for hearing aid manufacturers. She has always had a keen interest in professional issues and was a member of the British Academy of Audiology Board for 8 years before she took over as the President of BAA for 2 years.
Sue has a keen interest in hearing rehabilitation and specialises in hearing technology.
“I’m delighted to be involved with BANA as a Trustee and on the Medical Advisory Panel, I hope I can bring my knowledge and experience of working in many aspects of Audiology into the role and help our members advocate for their hearing health”.
Peter is a consultant ENT surgeon with a special interest in skull base surgery and hearing implants. He was appointed at the University Hospital Birmingham in 2010 and is also an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham. He leads the skull base MDT in Birmingham and has a dedicated acoustic neuroma clinic with hundreds of patients under his care. Peter is the current President of the British Society of Otology.
“It is an honour to be involved with BANA as a trustee. BANA has supported many of my patients with their diagnosis and treatment journey.”
Andrew has been a joiner/carpenter since leaving school at the age of 16, the only thing he has ever known and absolutely loves. The people he has meet and worked with over the years have given him confidence and trust in others.
In April 2017, Andrew was diagnosed with a 3.5 cm AN/VS. Due to its size and position, he needed urgent surgery to remove the tumour via Translab surgery in May 2017. Post op, he woke with no hearing or balance nerve, and grade 6 (highest grade) facial palsy that led to multiple operations on his eye, including eye weight. He is now on eye drops and night gel for life.
But as Andrew is so positive in every aspect of life, he takes each day as it comes and now has more appreciation for life and feels like one of the lucky ones with a second chance at life: “one door closes, another opens” is one of his favourite sayings. He still continues his favourite hobby, running, all over the countryside on his trail runs, plus still playing 5-a-side football and hiking.
Andrew has been a member of BANA for the last six years, and is now the lead trustee for the evening virtual support groups (VSGs); he hosts the U40s and the general VSG groups each month.
“I absolutely love hosting the very important VSGs. It is massively important to me as I can see the huge impact it has on that one individual or individuals over the space of our 2-hour sessions. For some members, this is the only information and support they might receive on their AN/VS journey. Sharing experiences and learning tips and tricks is priceless. I’m still learning nearly eight years on.”
Jools works as a Nurse Consultant within the Cambridge Skull Base Unit, where she has been based since 2010. She co-leads the NF2 service for the East of England/Midland region and is the primary contact within her team for patient experience, including user and carer issues.
She is a previous member of the British Skull Base Society Council, is a current member of the national Vestibular Schwannoma audit and research panel and she routinely provides advice and guidance to relevant charities and patient support groups for people affected by NF2 and skull base disorders.
Clinically, Jools manages nurse-led clinics for patients with vestibular schwannoma, catering to those undergoing surveillance and those post-surgery or radiotherapy. She provides a direct point of contact for patients needing assistance with symptoms stemming from their condition or treatment. Jools participates in skull base multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and consultant clinics, ensuring patient advocacy and support are central to discussions.
Recent research projects have focused on understanding the probability of growth in vestibular schwannoma and determining appropriate endpoints for surveillance imaging. Her Master’s dissertation examined the quality-of-life impact of vestibular schwannoma, and advocated for improved emotional support structures, including provision of coping interventions and virtual follow-up options.
My focus is on the person behind the diagnosis – ensuring they feel heard, supported and empowered throughout their treatment. I am pleased to be able to support BANA as a Trustee so that all patients have a way to access community support as part of their journey.
Pooja works in digital quality assurance for healthcare organisations and is passionate about improving healthcare quality and access to healthcare through technology. She has been in this space for several years and is particularly interested in making complex processes more efficient and accessible, ensuring that people can confidently use technology to support health and wellbeing. Pooja believes that technology has the power to transform patient outcomes and is dedicated to driving innovation in this field.
Pooja was diagnosed with an AN/VS in May 2023 and underwent translab surgery in November 2023. From her own journey, she recognises how personal and unique each person’s experience with Acoustic Neuroma can be.
“I am honoured to be a BANA Trustee and to work alongside the charity in supporting those affected by an Acoustic Neuroma. I look forward to contributing to BANA’s efforts in providing guidance, resources, and a strong community for everyone on this journey.”
Sara Crosland is a passionate trustee for the British Acoustic Neuroma Association (BANA), where she uses her personal experience and expertise to support individuals affected by acoustic neuromas. As an adventure athlete and outdoor education specialist, Sara brings a unique perspective to her role, using her skills to help others in their recovery from brain tumours.
Sara says, “I strongly believe in the power of personal experiences and the strength we find in sharing them. I hope through my work with BANA, to offer positivity, hope, and the confidence to move forward after diagnosis.”
Through her work with BANA, Sara helps ensure patients and their families have the resources, guidance, and inspiration they need to navigate their journeys, empowering them to embrace recovery with strength and optimism.
BANA HQ STAFF
With a distinguished career spanning 40 years in the Consumer Finance Industry, Steve Wheeldon brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach to his role as Chief Executive Officer at the British Acoustic Neuroma Association (BANA) at our Head Office in Chesterfield. Since joining the team, Steve has been pivotal in managing and administering the charity, working closely with our Trustees to ensure effective governance and strategic direction.
Steve’s role encompasses the development of core strategies and meticulous budget management, ensuring that BANA operates smoothly and sustainably. He leads our core operational activities, including governance and fundraising, with a commitment to enhancing our impact and outreach.
“Outside of work, I am an avid supporter of my local football team, with my Son, daughter and Grandchildren, and love the thrill of Formula One racing”.
His passion for these pursuits reflects his energetic and dynamic approach to both work and leisure.
BANA HQ STAFF
Lou has over 40 years NHS experience working as a Senior Registered Staff Nurse and the last 25 years of this as Community Staff Nurse. Lou also has 20 years experience in Bookkeeping, which she did on a small scale alongside her nursing, and she has excellent communication skills. Lou is based in our Chesterfield office, and can be contacted for help, advice or just a chat anytime.
BANA HQ STAFF
Justine graduated in 3D design in 1992 and worked for several Companies including Thames Cancer registry, and Guy’s and St Thomas’s hospital in London providing Admin Support. Justine set up her own Campervan hire business in 2016, creating her own Company Website, and marketed the business through social media.
Over the last 4 years Justine has worked as an Admin Manager for an international organisation providing training programmes for overseas Emergency Medicine doctors, and also owns and runs a small upholstery business.
Patrons
Brian Moore is Emeritus Professor of Auditory Perception at the University of Cambridge. His research interests are: the perception of sound; mechanisms of normal hearing and hearing impairments; the relationship of auditory abilities to speech perception; design of signal processing hearing aids for sensorineural hearing loss; methods for fitting hearing aids to the individual; design and specification of high-fidelity sound-reproducing equipment; perception of music and of musical instruments.
Patrons
Professor Ramsden was a consultant neuro-otologist in Manchester for over 30 years. There, he had a particular interest in the surgery of acoustic neuroma. He pioneered the multichannel Cochlear Implant in the UK as well as the Auditory Brain Stem Implant. Richard was President of ENT UK and was awarded an MBE for services to Otolarynglogy in 2015. He’s now based in the balmy southern climes of Oxfordshire.
Patrons
| Andrea started out as a Staff Nurse (RGN) in 2001 with a period in Orthopaedics, Trauma and then community nursing before settling into Neurosurgery and Skull Base in 2006. After a period as ward sister, she commenced the role of Skull Base Clinical Nurse Specialist in 2009; the service was being built from scratch to develop this new role within the Trust.
Over the years, she has developed the service to encompass the needs of patients with skull base pathology including AN/VS. The service at Salford receives around 150 new AN/VS referrals per year. Andrea has set up nurse led clinics to counsel patients before surgery, follow patients after surgery and radiotherapy along with telephone clinics and rapid access clinics to identify and treat symptoms. She has been able to develop comprehensive patient information documents, local policies on the management of skull base patients and has previously held position on the council of the British Skull Base Society. She has worked with NHS England to create specialist national standards for the care of patients with AN/VS and has presented work at national and international level. Andrea helps to run the Manchester AN/VS support group and is an outgoing Trustee of BANA, having spent 8 years in post. I have really enjoyed working with BANA over the last decade, initially as host of the Manchester support group, then as trustee and acting chair and, currently as a member of the medical advisory panel. It is important that clinical staff work with patient charities like BANA so we can offer our experience, support and time to improving awareness, information and access to appropriate care. The mutual benefit to me, as a clinical nurse specialist, is hearing and understanding patient and carer views which allows me to offer patient centred care and drive standards based upon what matters most to those diagnosed with acoustic neuroma/vestibular schwannoma. |
Dani is extremely proud to be an ambassador for the British Acoustic Neuroma Association (BANA), using her personal experience to support others and their families that have been impacted by acoustic neuromas. Having surgery to remove the tumour aged 22, Dani was a Professional Footballer for Liverpool FC, and almost three months to the day after surgery made her debut in the Champions League. Since retiring from professional football, Dani endeavour’s to serve as a positive role model for life after surgery, sharing her story and experiences to inspire others facing their own challenges.
Alongside fundraising, Dani is also a public speaker, determined to raise awareness for acoustic neuromas, as well as vital funds for this incredible charity.
“I feel fortunate to share my journey and experiences with others affected by ANs and regularly chat with people to educate them and provide support. Had I been given a choice to have the brain tumour or not, I would choose to go through the same journey again. As difficult as it’s been at times, it’s allowed me to meet some inspirational people, share my journey to help others, and give me an inner strength that I didn’t realise I had.”
BANA offering support and information for
people affected by Acoustic Neuroma
Registered Charity No: 1165065