Ann Chalmers
Ann has spent more than 30 years in the charity sector, including over two decades as Chief Executive of Child Bereavement UK, where she expanded national support services for families facing the death of a child. She has also trained and supported professionals who work with grieving families, and was awarded an MBE in 2023 for services to bereaved children, parents and families.
Ann has supported Lily informally for several years. She says: “I’m honoured to become a Trustee and hope to bring my experience in strategic development, charity leadership, governance and collaborative working to support Liz and the team as the charity continues to offer invaluable support to families affected by mitochondrial disease and works towards ultimately finding a cure.”
Marcus Banks
Marcus is Chief Commercial Officer of ismybillfair.com, with many years of strategic and commercial experience across consulting, banking, telco and software. He also brings the perspective of a parent – his son Arthur lives with mitochondrial disease, and the family has been part of the wider Lily family for the last 15 years.
“I’m committed to working with Liz and the rest of the Board and wider Lily team,” says Marcus, “to deliver even more of the amazing things that I’ve seen Lily achieve over that time.”
Paul Goswell
Paul spent his career in the real estate industry and, until last year, was Chief Executive of Delancey, a real estate investment and development business. He has also served several other charities and institutions, including Somerset House as a trustee, and Queen Mary University of London and King’s College London as a member of Council.
Paul has got to know Liz and the charity over the last few years. “Medical research into genetic disorders is currently moving at such an amazing pace,” he says, “that I’m truly hopeful that The Lily Foundation will be instrumental in finding new treatments, and even a cure, for mitochondrial disease during my time as a director.”
Looking ahead
Ann, Marcus and Paul bring experience in charity leadership, governance, business and lived experience of mitochondrial disease. It’s a strong combination as we work to strengthen the support we offer to families, and to play our part in the research that could lead to new treatments, including through the upcoming UK Mitochondrial Disease Research Institute. We’re grateful to them for giving their time and look forward to working with them.
And as we set our sights on 2027, we also bid farewell and thank you to John Spyrou as he steps down from our Board. We’re deeply grateful for John’s invaluable contribution over the last 13 years and wish him the very best in his next chapter.
You can meet all of our trustees over on our Board of Directors page.
