Our Trustees and Staff

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Matt O'Neill – Chair of Trustees

I have ‘late onset’ narcolepsy, as it started in my 40s.

I was diagnosed in 2011 with narcolepsy and cataplexy & R.E.M. Behavioural Sleep Disorder.

I spent until January 2017 on a long-term disability scheme from my employer until taking ill-health retirement. My main charity interests are in addressing inequalities in all areas, access to medicines, practical interventions and support.

I have spoken at narcolepsy conferences across the UK and Europe.

I have provided evidence as a lay witness, on behalf of the charity, for a number of high profile civil court cases including judicial review claims in the High Court relating to NHS funding of narcolepsy medication. I also act, on behalf of Narcolepsy UK, as an advocate in benefits appeals in the First Tier Tribunal.

I am a former Trustee of Neurological Alliance England and am registered with the European Medicines Agency as a patient representative and have made extensive clinical & pharmaceutical contacts to further Narcolepsy UK’s engagement and influence in the very specialist world of narcolepsy.

I have represented those in the UK with narcolepsy due to the Pandemrix vaccine in discussions with the European Commission, working alongside representatives from other European countries.

In addition to my corporate fundraising activities, I have undertaken a number of personal fundraising challenges including walking The Ridgeway with my son in 2012, cycling Nightrider London 2014 and Night Ride Edinburgh 2017.

Favourite saying: “Cataplexy is the highest compliment I can give you”.

Tim Kavanagh – Trustee

Tim is a person with narcolepsy, which was diagnosed in his early twenties. In the past he has been both a Digital Campaign Manager in the recruitment advertising industry, and also Production Coordinator for a leading UK website. Unfortunately his narcolepsy symptoms reached a severity that meant that he was no longer able to work, but now he brings to bear his previous professional experience together with his patient perspective equally in pursuing the charity’s aims. He was born and raised in North London, but these days can be found in more peaceful yet remote spaces in South Wales.

Henry Nicholls - Trustee

Henry is a science journalist, teacher and person with narcolepsy. He studied zoology at Cambridge University, spent a year in the Kalahari Desert working with meerkats before completing a PhD on evolutionary ecology at Sheffield University. It was during this time that he first began to notice symptoms of narcolepsy and cataplexy.

Henry writes on all aspects of biological sciences. He is an ambassador for the Galapagos Conservation Trust and the editor of their members’ magazine. His first popular science book – Lonesome George – was a contender for the Guardian First Book Award and was shortlisted for the Royal Society’s General Book Prize. He has written three further books – The Way of the Panda, The Galapagos and Sleepyhead. Published by Profile Books in 2018, Sleepyhead examines the funny, puzzling, troubling lives of those with pathological patterns of sleep (including narcolepsy, of course).

Helen Strongman - Trustee

Mike Guthrie - Trustee

I have had narolepsy with cataplexy since I was about 15 (I think), and wasn’t diagnosed until I was in my second year of University. Beforehand, I had been told I was burning the candle at both ends, then that I had sleep apnoea and also that getting my tonsils out would help. Finally, I was referred to a doctor in England who diagnosed me within 20 minutes and I left the hospital with modafinil that day. I still consider myself to be in a relatively privileged position compared to others who suffer from worse symptoms than I do. I am therefore delighted to help out the charity and others dealing with narcolepsy.

In a work context, I am a lawyer in the Real Estate Department at Burness Paull LLP. In my current role as Head of Home Sales, I am responsible for overseeing all of the residential sales and any associated purchases for my lawfirm’s housebuilder clients in Scotland. I supervise teams across the firm’s three offices. I also tutor at the University of Edinburgh on the professional practice diploma once a week during term time. In my spare time, I regularly like to run and cycle when I can find the time.

David Brocksom - Trustee

David is a Chartered Accountant who has very recently retired as Chief Financial Officer for Electricity North West. Based in Manchester, David has been a director on the Boards of a number of companies including UK Coal. David’s involvement with Narcolepsy UK stems from having a daughter with narcolepsy.

STAFF

Nicola Rule - Operations Manager

Nicola became involved with Narcolepsy UK following her daughter’s diagnosis. Initially a Trustee, she resigned from that position in order to take on her current role as Operations Manager and general factotum – the ‘go to’ person for almost anything! Nicola’s background is in property – running management companies/property businesses, along with local charitable activity. Born and bred in Huntingdonshire, Nicola is married with two daughters, a menagerie of animals and a dedication to raising awareness of narcolepsy.

Liam Sloan – Volunteer Coordinator

Liam was diagnosed with narcolepsy at the age of 27, though he can remember his symptoms starting from about 12 years old. After receiving help from the charity himself, he now enjoys helping others with narcolepsy and their families. Liam lives in Scotland.

Linda Reynolds - Helpline and Benefits Advisor

Married with one adult daughter and with a close relative who has narcolepsy and cataplexy. A rather eclectic work history ranging from lecturing to making designer wear, managing manufacturing departments and shops and ending as a civil servant working on Tax Credits and latterly Universal Credit.

Volunteer Staff

Amanda Molloy - Shared Care Advisor

As well as being a trustee, Amanda is our Shared Care Advisor. She says: Shared care agreements between specialists and GPs are in place for conditions like ADHD which use similar medicines to Narcolepsy. As Narcolepsy is a rare, poorly understood condition, people with narcolepsy can be forgotten and excluded from Shared Care agreements and this must be challenged at all levels. I also teach and train GP Registrars (junior doctors becoming GPs) across Sussex and Kent and include Narcolepsy awareness raising in all my teaching sessions since soon after my daughter’s diagnosis. As a Volunteer I am not always available but drop me a note and I’ll come back to you soonest (please note – I do not give personal medical advice) – sharedcareadvisor@narcolepsy.org.uk