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Joanna Hawkins

As part of Trustee Week we are celebrating the incredible people who give their time, skills and energy to help guide Exeter Leukaemia Fund. Our Trustees play a vital role in helping to shape the future of the charity, and we are so grateful for their support. Today, we are shining a spotlight on Joanna Hawkins to hear more about her journey and what being a Trustee means to her. 

  1. What inspired you to become a Trustee at Exeter Leukaemia Fund? 

I became aware of ELF when I was admitted to Yarty for a month of chemo due to my blood cancer. I was in an isolation room and benefited from the reflexology and occasional cake and tea from Filling Times! As an outpatient my husband and I continued to use Filling Times and I saw the counsellor on a couple of occasions. The friendly atmosphere in the waiting room helped whilst waiting for appointments.  

  1. What do you enjoy most about being a Trustee? 

It has been interesting to meet so many new people as a trustee. Everyone has a different story for joining the charity. I think we all bring very different skills to the table, making meetings interesting. 

  1. What skills and experiences do you bring to the board that you feel make a difference? 

I am a trained nurse with experience in several different areas and I feel my time as a patient has given me good insight into the needs of current blood cancer sufferers.  

  1. What is one thing you have learned since becoming a Trustee? 

To listen to other people’s points of view and to contribute to the general discussion. 

  1. Why do you think ELF’s work is so important for the local community? 

Many people do not know of ELF until they or a relative become a patient. For many it is a struggle with the initial diagnosis, family commitments, work, transport and support. ELF is able to assist in all these areas. The charity enables some clinical training and research as well helping the staff to continue they work. 

A huge thank you to Joanna for sharing her experiences with us, and for the invaluable work she does behind the scenes at ELF. Our Trustees ensure we can continue supporting patients and families across Devon who are being affected by blood cancer. We are proud to celebrate them this Trustee Week.