Who we are

Staff

Irene Oakley – Myositis UK co-ordinator

Irene is a part-time employee – and only employee –for Myositis UK. She is responsible for the day-to-day running of the charity, from responding to enquiries and sending out mailings, to organising the annual conference and running stalls at major medical conferences.

Naturally, Irene is very busy but central to the smooth operation of the charity. She volunteers a lot of additional hours to the charity too, particularly around fundraising events.

Board of trustees

Les Oakley (MBE) – chair

Les is the chair of Myositis UK’s board of trustees and takes a very active role in the running of the charity around his full-time job, from speaking at events to writing the newsletter.

He can usually be found in the office at least once a week, catching up on correspondence and liaising with funding contacts.

Les is also a dedicated fundraiser, having raised money for Myositis UK by cycling from Paris to Hayling Island, running the London Marathon (twice), and abseiling the Spinnaker Tower. Outside his place of work, he also runs a second-hand bookstall which has raised over £50,000.

In 2005, Les was awarded and MBE for services to people with myositis.

Board of trustees

Paula Jordan – honorary general secretary

Paula is the honorary general secretary and volunteers on a regular basis for Myositis UK, providing Irene with administration support. From updating membership lists to writing articles for the newsletter and website, Paula provides a much-appreciated pair of extra hands. She also helps to run Myositis UK’s Facebook pages.

Paula also gives talks and attends medical research meetings (UKMyoNet, JDRG-MUK and the International Myositis Genetics conference). She is a MyoNet (EuMypNet) external representative and has completed the Myositis Summer School in Sweden. She was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis when she was a child.

Board of trustees

Jo Goode – honorary treasurer

Jo is the honorary treasurer, providing regular treasurer duties. She also maintains the forums in our online community zone and helps to run our Facebook pages.

Jo also represents the charity at meetings and fundraising events and organises regular meet-up sessions for those affected by myositis. She was diagnosed with dermatomyositis.

Volunteers

Bridget Kalloushi

Bridget is Myositis UK’s auditor. She kindly donates her services for free.

Volunteers

Janet Horton

Janet is a Welfare Advisor and volunteers her time to Myositis UK and other charities.

Volunteers

Barry and Sheila Eckford

Barry and Sheila help at fundraising events, the AGM and conference.

Volunteers

Bruce and Margaret Cross

Bruce and Margaret help at fundraising events,the AGM and conference.