Latest

Erik Salomonsen

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 Erik Salomonsen to hear more about his journey and what being a Trustee means to him.  

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

I knew of the work undertaken by the Exeter Leukaemia Fund because I had been a patient at Yarty under the care of Dr Miles Joyner and his colleagues and so had first hand experience of all that Elf had done for the ward and for patients. 

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

I enjoy the feeling of being able to support the marvellous staff of the charity in the work which they do and in being able to help develop new services to enhance the care of patients and their families. 

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

A difficult question! Every trustee brings different skills! I was a lawyer throughout my professional life and that may bring an ability to analyses problems and come up with solutions. I have also chaired panels and served as chair of another charity. 

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

There is always more that can be done! We can develop more and better services and reach more patients and their families. 

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

We work alongside the health professionals who care for those with blood cancers in Devon. We are able to fund the purchase of essential pieces of equipment, to fund counselling, transport and other services. All of these are additional to the care and treatment supplied by the health professionals. 

A huge thank you to Erik for sharing his experiences with us, and for the invaluable work he 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.