Board of Trustees

Peter is an independent communications consultant with over 40 years’ experience in both the public and private sectors. He worked for the Irish Government in both civil service departments and semi state bodies – IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.

Peter been responsible for international corporate affairs teams in two of the world’s leading multinational companies Wyeth, now part of Pfizer, and Diageo. Peter is an experienced Mentor to several executives in charities and social enterprises supported by both Carmichael House and Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.

Cormac is a Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Children’s Health Ireland, Dublin. He trained initially in Dublin, followed by fellowships at Institute Gustave Roussy, Paris and the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. He is a member of the European Neuroblastoma Society (SIOPEN) executive and clinical trials committees and the international society of paediatric oncology (SIOP) scientific advisory council. At CHI, he is the director of the clinical trials unit.

Pádraic is the Regional Chairman for Ireland of the Hottinger Group, an international Family Office in the financial services industry. Pádraic graduated from the Naval College as an officer in the Irish Naval Service and studied in the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth UK. Having served at sea and as a staff officer at Naval Headquarters, he retired to pursue a career in financial services and has held a number of senior management and leadership roles before co-founding the Hottinger Group in 2011. Pádraic is a member of the Institute of Directors.

Robin is a chartered electrical engineer and an independent strategic advisor working mainly in the renewable energy sector. He was Chair & MD of SONI the business in NI that operates the electricity grid and ‘keeps the lights on’ and held all-island group executive roles. Robin is a Chartered Director and has several non-executive roles. Robin joined Cancer Fund for Children’s Board of Trustees in 2023.

Donal is a Chartered Engineer and has over 40 years’ international experience in the construction industry. He has key skills in Building Design, Leadership, Team Building, Strategic Planning, Program and Project Management and developing and delivering cost effective innovative solutions to complex projects. In the past Donal served as Managing Director of Arup Consulting Engineers and more recently as PM Group Managing Director for the MENA region. Donal is a Fellow of Engineers Ireland and holds an IOD diploma in Company Direction. Donal joined Cancer Fund for Children’s Board of Trustees in 2023.

Dr Robert Johnston is a paediatric oncologist, Multidisciplinary Team lead based at Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.  Originally from Northern Ireland, Dr Johnston undertook his undergraduate studies at University of Glasgow, and subsequent initial postgraduate training in Scotland followed by specialist training in Australia and Edinburgh Scotland before returning to Belfast in 2011 to take up his current post.  A member of the CFC Board since April 2019, Dr Johnston is passionate to improve and optimise the experience of young people and their family affected by cancer.

Following the death of her daughter in 2010 from leukaemia, Alice Nugent founded the Katie Nugent Fund, which is a partner of Cancer Fund for Children. Alice works as a psychotherapist and runs a family farm and historic house in Co. Westmeath, hosting music festivals and other events. Previously Alice had a career in outdoor advertising in London, managing accounts for several multinational companies before being recruited to head up the Irish office of a UK-based internet start-up. Alice has been actively involved in the funding and development of emotional support services to children undergoing cancer treatment, as well as their families, in Crumlin Children’s Hospital, working alongside Trinity College, Dublin.

Alice joined Cancer Fund for Children’s Board of Trustees in February 2024.

Anne is an equity partner in Mills Selig, a leading commercial law firm in Belfast. She plays an active role in the leadership of the entire firm which employs more than 60 people. She is also one of the foremost commercial property lawyers in Northern Ireland and leads the Property team at her firm.

With over 20 years’ experience Anne is exceptionally skilled in all aspects of commercial property transactions acting for a diverse client base including developers, investors, financial institutions, landlords, and tenants. Anne has a particular focus on property finance, distressed property and securitisation.

Known for her ability to stay level-headed in high-pressure situations, Anne ensures that deals are successfully completed.   

Client comments in Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners describe Anne as follows: “Anne Skeggs– a brilliant mind- so commercial, sharp, and at the same time very down to earth.’” “Anne is just amazing – she is responsive and always there for us.”

Anne is mum to two energetic boys and enjoys singing and walking in her spare time.

Nuala is a Director and Chartered Engineer with over 30 years’ experience across industries in Operations and Quality leadership. After graduating in Engineering from Cambridge University, she has held several global roles in multinational companies such as GE.  She has significant experience of successfully driving process and cultural change and understands the need for clear communication and persistence to achieve the best outcome. Nuala believes in empowering children to achieve their potential and the need to encourage girls in STEM. She is currently on the Board of Governors of two post primary schools in Northern Ireland. Nuala is excited about this opportunity to bring her passion and experience to make a difference in children’s lives as part of the Cancer Fund for Children team.

Dr. Caroline McGroary is a Chartered Accountant, Fulbright Scholar and Lecturer in Accounting at Dublin City University in Ireland (DCU). She joined DCU in 2010 after training as an accountant with Deloitte. Since then, she has completed a PhD in Education, was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in Cybersecurity Risk Management and lectures on a range of programmes across the Business School and with industry. Caroline has spent over 10 years of her career in the Middle East as a member of the team who set up a division of DCU Business School in Saudi Arabia in partnership with Princess Nourah University (PNU), the largest female only university in the world. Caroline also sits on a number of public sector and not-for-profit boards and committees and is an elected Council member of Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Caroline Feeney is a barrister and public affairs professional with a strong background in legal practice, politics, and strategic communications. Called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2009, she previously practised as a defence barrister at Three Temple Gardens in London and also held political and diplomatic roles with both the Office of Senator Hillary Clinton in Washington and at the British Embassy to the Holy See. She later served as Political Director of the SDLP,  advising party leadership and leading media, policy, and cross-government engagement during key negotiations.

From 2018 to 2024, Caroline held senior leadership roles at Staffline Ireland, including Director of Communications and Public Affairs, where she oversaw external relations, brand marketing, and government engagement. She also served as Chief Executive of the educational charity the Goliath Trust, leading its strategy, governance, and outreach to schools and government. Caroline now works as a self-employed consultant, advising clients across the public and private sectors on strategy and public affairs.