Meet the Overcoming MS team

We inform, support and empower everyone with MS to lead a full and healthy life.

Overcoming MS Team

Alexandra Holden

Chief Executive Officer

Alex joined Overcoming MS in April 2023 and will help lead Overcoming MS into its second decade. She has over 20 years' experience across the voluntary and corporate sector, most recently as Deputy CEO at Target Ovarian Cancer.

Alex has worked in the UK, Scandinavia and Australia for organisations as diverse as Mencap, Bupa, Virgin Media, Westpac Bank and GE. She...

View

Dr Jonathan White

Medical Advisor & Facilitator

MBChB, MRCOG

Dr Jonathan White supports Overcoming MS as a Medical Advisor and Event Facilitator. He is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist and was diagnosed with MS in 2015.

Jonathan lives on the North Coast of Northern Ireland, is married to Jenny and father to Angus and Struan. He went to University of Glasg...

View

Sian Southward

Head of Programmes

Sian joined Overcoming MS in 2021 as Head of Programmes.

She brings over 20 years' experience in both the Charity and Public sector with a specialism in programme management, service design and strategic change.

Vicky Mason

Head of Digital

Vicky joined Overcoming MS in 2021 as Head of Digital, with over 20 years’ experience. She is a user--centred marketer, with a specialism in leading the strategy and implementation of digital and customer experience projects to drive change for communities in UK and global organisations.

Sally Insley

Head of Fundraising

Sally joined Overcoming MS in April 2023 as Head of Fundraising. With over 12 years’ experience in the third sector, Sally has worked with a range of beneficiaries and managed multiple income streams.

Henry Pohl

Head of Finance (part-time)

Henry works as Overcoming MS' Finance Manager. He supports the organisation to ensure that funds are spent wisely.

Sarah Parker

Executive Assistant to CEO & Chair of the Board

Sarah joined OMS in April 2022 as Executive Assistant to CEO and Chair of the Board. Sarah has extensive administration experience from a variety of backgrounds and also has charity experience as a volunteer.

Liz Waters

Community Engagement Programme Manager

Liz has joined Overcoming MS as the Community Engagement Programme Manager. She has worked in the charity sector for over 20 years, predominantly in health-focused charities with people who have long-term conditions.

Jake Connor

Community Engagement Project Officer

Jake joined Overcoming MS in March 2022 as a Community Engagement Administrator, working with and supporting our Ambassadors to help grow our support networks Circles. Jake has previous volunteering and fundraising experience.

Zoe Johnston

Digital Engagement Manager

Zoe joined Overcoming MS in September 2022 as the Digital Engagement Manager. She has a background of over 10 years’ experience in various digital optimisation roles, across a number of industries.

Clare Norton

Digital Content Manager

Clare joined Overcoming MS in May 2022 as the Digital Content Manager. She has a background in marketing and communications. Clare also has charity experience as a volunteer.

Regina Beach

Podcast Content Manager (part-time)

Regina joined Overcoming MS in October 2021 as the Trusts and Community Fundraising Manager and now supports with the podcast. She has 10 years’ experience in communications and project management, and lives with MS.

Jane Bambridge

CRM Database Manager (part-time)

Jane joined the Overcoming MS team in November 2017. As the Data Analyst, she is responsible for running the Overcoming MS database and delivering data insights.

Nicola Spiers

CRM Administrator (part-time)

Nicola joined the Overcoming MS team in May 2022. With over 20 years administration experience, she supports the digital team with CRM administration tasks.

Louise Church

Team Administrator (part-time)

Louise is the Team Administrator at OMS having joined in April 2019. She supports the smooth running of the organisation.

Donna Duffy

Trusts & Foundations Fundraiser

Donna brings over 25 years experience working with Trusts & Foundations for charities in both the UK and abroad for organisations such as Advance, National FASD, Kidney Care UK and Irish Youth Foundation (UK). She has also held various Trustee roles such as Military Wives Choir.

Melissa Bissell

Fundraising Assistant

Melissa joined Overcoming MS in June 2023. She has over 14 years’ experience in Fundraising for local and National charities, mainly specialising in Community Fundraising.