Management Team

Phil Alexander is Cancer Fund for Children’s CEO. He has been with the charity for ten years formerly as Director of Services, and prior to that as our Residential Services Manager during which time he was instrumental in shaping our programme of therapeutic short breaks.   Phil has over 20 years of experience working in the statutory and voluntary sector developing services for children, young people, and their families.

Neil has worked for Cancer Fund for Children since 2015. Prior to becoming Director of Services, Neil was our Community Services Manager for three years and before that Cancer Support Specialist providing direct support to children diagnosed with cancer and their families. Neil is responsible for the strategic leadership of our services, enhancing and developing new services across Ireland and working with a wide range of others to ensure children and young people impacted by cancer have the best support possible.  He has worked in the charity sector for 24 years working specifically within the child and youth sector.

Raph was appointed Cancer Fund for Children’s Residential Services Manager in 2018 and leads the team responsible for running our therapeutic short break facility at Daisy Lodge in Newcastle. During this time, he has enhanced the therapeutic support we provide to children and families impacted by cancer.  Raph has over 25 years’ experience as a Mental Health Nurse practitioner (RMN) and in senior management roles within the NHS working to achieve excellent practice in mental health services and in developing specialised community services. His present role is to deliver high quality therapeutic short breaks for families across Ireland impacted by cancer.

Jane is Cancer Fund for Children’s Head of Fundraising. She leads the Fundraising Team, responsible for generating income and delivering donor care, in order to support our services. Jane has over 15 years’ experience within the charity sector and previously established Cancer Fund for Children’s Donor Development Team, before heading up the wider Fundraising Team in 2017. Jane is focused on diversifying income streams to offer Cancer Fund for Children increased sustainability and the opportunity to strengthen and expand services to further support families.

Gavin has been Cancer Fund for Children’s Finance & Business Operations Manager since 2019. He is responsible for finance, governance, business operations, IT,HR and facilities. Prior to working in the for the charity he has worked in banking, education, media, haulage, hospitality and the energy sector. His present focus is on the digital transformation and resilience of the charity.

Rachel is Marketing and Communications Manager for Cancer Fund for Children. She leads a team responsible for raising awareness of the issues facing children and young people diagnosed with cancer. Rachel joined our team in 2005 and has worked in both fundraising and communication roles. She is member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), was Chair of CIPR Northern Ireland ‘s regional committee, and is currently secretary. Rachel has an MSc in Communications, Advertising and PR from Ulster University.

Andy Boal is Cancer Fund for Children’s Community Fundraising manager. Andy has nearly 10 years of fundraising experience and leads a small team who work with supporters across all aspects of the community including schools, clubs and individuals taking on their own events. The team aim to provide the best supporter experiences possible and engage people from all aspects of society to raise money for Cancer Fund for Children.

Regina has worked for Cancer Fund for Children since 2017. Prior to becoming Community Services Manager in 2022, Regina worked as a Cancer Support Specialist providing direct support to children impacted by cancer and their families. Regina is responsible for managing our Community Services Team and ensuring they provide young people with the right support, at the right time, with the right approach.  Regina has worked in the charity sector for 20 years specialising in children and young people’s participation before joining Cancer Fund for Children.

Joan is Hospitality Manager at Cancer Fund for Children. She manages the hospitality services at our therapeutic short break facility, Daisy Lodge. Since Daisy Lodge opened in 2014, Joan and her team have delivered a five star standard of service to families impacted by cancer.  Daisy Lodge has become a member of Taste of Ulster and has been awarded 5-star food hygiene rating every year since opening. Joan has worked for Cancer Fund for Children for 25 years and has worked is the hospitality industry for over 38 years. She trained as a chef gaining a diploma in Culinary Arts and is a Kitchen and Larder Specialist. Joan has a BA in International Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Ulster.

Jake is Cancer Fund for Children’s Donor Development Manager. He graduated from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Academy in 2019 and has over 8 years’ experience in the charity sector having previously worked for the Red Cross,  Marie Curie, War Child, Scope and London’s Air Ambulance Charity.

Jake is committed to providing our supporters with a positive experience, growing our voluntary income and ensuring that no child faces cancer alone.