Who's Who
National Development Team
Victoria White - National Fundraising & Development Manager
Victoria has been actively involved with Keeping Abreast since it’s conception in 2007 and has been responsible for managing major events including the Annual Balls and the “More than” Just Fashion Shows. These have all generated some of the largest incomes for the Charity while at the same time providing the opportunity for Keeping Abreast to expand on a national basis, a key objective of the Trustees. Victoria lives in Norwich with her two small children and husband. Outside of Keeping Abreast, Victoria also plays an active part in the family business, and her interests include cycling, walking, Zumba and spending as much time as possible making the most of her young family!
Tracey Burlingham - National Admin & Development Assistant
Tracey has been working for Keeping Abreast as the National Admin & Development Assistant since May 2010. Her role is to provide administrative support to the Trustees, and assist with developing the charity and organising fundraising events. She lives with her partner Jason and has two young boys who keep her very busy! Outside of work Tracey is the Commanding Officer of the local Air Cadet squadron and enjoys hill walking, zumba and skiing.
Trustees
John Sansby - Chairman
John has been with Keeping Abreast since it became a registered charity in 2009. Previously he worked for over 35 years in the water industry until he retired in 1999. Since then John has volunteered with several charitable organisations in Norfolk and is also a School Governor at his local primary school.
Anna Beckingham
Anna was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2007 and underwent an immediate DIEP reconstruction in May 2007. Shortly afterwards she founded Keeping Abreast along with Beverley Birritteri and Ruth Harcourt. Anna has two small children and previously worked as a chartered physiotherapist.
Beverley Birritteri
Beverley was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2006 and had immediate DIEP reconstruction in July 2006. After supporting Anna during the time before and after her operation, Beverley along with Ruth Harcourt and Anna Beckingham founded Keeping Abreast. Beverley is married with two grown up children.
Alison Best - Secretary
Alison was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2007. She underwent chemotherapy, a bi-lateral mastectomy with tissue expander implants and radiotherapy. Alison met Anna through a breast cancer website and after her surgery took on the role of Keeping Abreast Secretary. Alison is married with two small children and has previously worked as an Accounts Payable Manager and as a Financial Systems Consultant at Norwich Union.
Ruth Harcourt - Breast Reconstruction Nurse Specialist
Ruth is the first and still the only Breast Reconstruction Nurse Specialist working at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. She took up the post in 2003 but had previously been working in the field of Plastic Surgery for many years. Her role includes working with Plastic Surgeons, Breast Surgeons and Breast Care Nurses and she is able to support ladies during their breast cancer and reconstruction journey. In 2007 she was able to help Anna & Beverley set up "Keeping Abreast" and attends support group meetings, fundraising events, offering her expertise where possible. Ruth is married and has 2 children.
Maria Hewkin - Volunteer Mentor
Maria became involved with Keeping Abreast shortly after meeting Beverley and Ruth in the plastic surgery Clinic which she volunteers in. Maria was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, then had major reconstructive surgery in 2005 with follow up procedures in 2008. After a number of years being a proactive member of the Keeping Abreast Committee, Maria was elected on to the board of Trustees in April 2011. Maria is married with 3 children and owns her own business - Diva in Wymondham.
Stuart Palmer - Treasurer
Stuart has been a supporter of Keeping Abreast for a number of years before being elected as a Trustee in April. He is taking over the role of Treasurer from Iris and is looking forward to helping the charity move forward and expand.
Patrons
Elaine Sassoon - Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Elaine Sassoon was born in London and educated in Paris before going to Harvard University, USA. She returned to England to undertake her medical studies at University College Hospital, London. She continued her general surgical training at a number of teaching hospitals in the south of England and became a fellow of both the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1989.
She started her plastic surgery training in Oxford in 1989 and rotated through teaching hospitals in London, Birmingham, Cambridge and Norwich. She passed the Plastic Surgery Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1998 and became accredited in Plastic Surgery the same year.
She has spent overseas attachments in South Africa; France; Bosnia; Taiwan (perforator flap microsurgery); New Orleans, USA (perforator flap microsurgery) as well as overseas fellowships in Ljubljana, Slovenia (microsurgery) and Atlanta, USA (oculoplastic and aesthetic surgery).
She has run several regional, national and international courses in Plastic Surgery and has been awarded numerous prizes both nationally and internationally.
She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, a member of the British Association of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons, and a Corresponding Member of the Aesthetic Society (USA). She is also Chairman of the Breast Subcommittee of the British Association of Plastic Surgeons. In 2004 Miss Sassoon was declared the BAPRAS representative on the BAPRAS / BASO Interface Committee which decides breast cancer management policies.
Her interests include all aspects of aesthetic surgery, and reconstructive surgery of the breast.
Her current NHS position is Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital & Cromer Hospital.
Elaine says "I am immensely supportive of Keeping Abreast. I was strongly in favour of setting up a support group and could see the benefit patients derived from speaking to our breast reconstruction nurse. The Keeping Abreast support group is transforming patients and giving them so much confidence"
Richard Haywood - Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Mr Richard Haywood is part of Plastic Surgery Associates, a Private Practice of 5 NHS trained Consultant Plastic Surgeons based at the Spire (formerly BUPA) Hospital in Norwich, Norfolk. Mr Haywood undertakes all aspects of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery but has a specialist interest in breast reconstruction using microsurgical techniques.
Becky Jago - Television Presenter
Becky Jago started her media career at Vibe FM, working her way up to become the co-presenter on the breakfast show as well as reading the travel news, and doing film reviews. After appearing in a television documentary, she was spotted by producers of Anglia News who hired her as their weather girl. She was also the original 'booth girl' on The Wright Stuff which was filmed at the Anglia studios at the time.
In 2001 she joined the BBC's children's news programme Newsround, where as well as being the main studio presenter she also reported from all over the world. Becky then joined Capital Radio in February 2003 to be Chris Tarrant's side kick on the breakfast show. On leaving Capital Radio she did stints as a reporter on GMTV's Entertainment Today and Sky Sport's News before returning to Anglia News in May 2005. After having just over a year off to have her twin boys in 2006 she returned to our screens before becoming one of the two main presenters of Anglia Tonight
Becky was born in Suffolk, one of four children. When she was 18 her mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. It returned twice more during the next three years and, shortly after Becky finished University at the age of 21, she passed away. Becky has been involved in many charity events since then to raise awareness and money for cancer charities. She says of Keeping Abreast' "My mum would have been so proud of my association with this charity. They do amazing work and give support to so many women and their families. I feel honoured to be part of their fantastic, hard-working team."
Anna Stevenson - Owner of Stevenson Consulting
Anna Stevenson was born and brought up in Norfolk, where she now lives with her husband, Hugo and their two young boys, Jacob and Benjamin.
Anna began her career in PR & Marketing in the five star London hotel industry, before becoming PA to Elizabeth Hurley, working at film production company Simian Films, as well as living in the US for a time. Returning to Norwich in 2005, Anna worked in some of the region’s best known hotels, before founding her own PR & Marketing Consultancy in 2008. In 2011 Anna and her husband also embarked on a life-long dream and bought The Mill Café Bar & Restaurant, Yaxham, Norfolk.
Anna first heard about Keeping Abreast in 2010 and was profoundly impressed with the work they do. She has been a keen supporter ever since and assists in many aspects of the charity’s PR & Marketing. Anna said “It is a huge privilege to be asked to be a patron and I am so honoured to be part of such a wonderful charity.”
Miss Catalina Estela FRCS (Plast) - Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Catalina qualified in medicine in Barcelona, Spain in 1987 then completed all her post graduate training in the UK. She is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and obtained her FRCS (Plast) in 2003 after completion of her specialist registrar training in the South-West rotation. She was appointed as Consultant Plastic surgeon in 2005 and is currently working at Frenchay Hospital - North Bristol Trust.
She has a special interest in Breast reconstruction surgery and works very closely with her colleagues Mr Sherif Wilson and Breast Reconstruction Nurse Specialist Caroline Oates.
Victoria White - National Fundraising & Development Manager
Victoria has been actively involved with Keeping Abreast since it’s conception in 2007 and has been responsible for managing major events including the Annual Balls and the “More than” Just Fashion Shows. These have all generated some of the largest incomes for the Charity while at the same time providing the opportunity for Keeping Abreast to expand on a national basis, a key objective of the Trustees. Victoria lives in Norwich with her two small children and husband. Outside of Keeping Abreast, Victoria also plays an active part in the family business, and her interests include cycling, walking, Zumba and spending as much time as possible making the most of her young family!
Tracey Burlingham - National Admin & Development Assistant
Tracey has been working for Keeping Abreast as the National Admin & Development Assistant since May 2010. Her role is to provide administrative support to the Trustees, and assist with developing the charity and organising fundraising events. She lives with her partner Jason and has two young boys who keep her very busy! Outside of work Tracey is the Commanding Officer of the local Air Cadet squadron and enjoys hill walking, zumba and skiing.
Trustees
John Sansby - Chairman
John has been with Keeping Abreast since it became a registered charity in 2009. Previously he worked for over 35 years in the water industry until he retired in 1999. Since then John has volunteered with several charitable organisations in Norfolk and is also a School Governor at his local primary school.
Anna Beckingham
Anna was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2007 and underwent an immediate DIEP reconstruction in May 2007. Shortly afterwards she founded Keeping Abreast along with Beverley Birritteri and Ruth Harcourt. Anna has two small children and previously worked as a chartered physiotherapist.
Beverley Birritteri
Beverley was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2006 and had immediate DIEP reconstruction in July 2006. After supporting Anna during the time before and after her operation, Beverley along with Ruth Harcourt and Anna Beckingham founded Keeping Abreast. Beverley is married with two grown up children.
Alison Best - Secretary
Alison was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2007. She underwent chemotherapy, a bi-lateral mastectomy with tissue expander implants and radiotherapy. Alison met Anna through a breast cancer website and after her surgery took on the role of Keeping Abreast Secretary. Alison is married with two small children and has previously worked as an Accounts Payable Manager and as a Financial Systems Consultant at Norwich Union.
Ruth Harcourt - Breast Reconstruction Nurse Specialist
Ruth is the first and still the only Breast Reconstruction Nurse Specialist working at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. She took up the post in 2003 but had previously been working in the field of Plastic Surgery for many years. Her role includes working with Plastic Surgeons, Breast Surgeons and Breast Care Nurses and she is able to support ladies during their breast cancer and reconstruction journey. In 2007 she was able to help Anna & Beverley set up "Keeping Abreast" and attends support group meetings, fundraising events, offering her expertise where possible. Ruth is married and has 2 children.
Maria Hewkin - Volunteer Mentor
Maria became involved with Keeping Abreast shortly after meeting Beverley and Ruth in the plastic surgery Clinic which she volunteers in. Maria was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, then had major reconstructive surgery in 2005 with follow up procedures in 2008. After a number of years being a proactive member of the Keeping Abreast Committee, Maria was elected on to the board of Trustees in April 2011. Maria is married with 3 children and owns her own business - Diva in Wymondham.
Stuart Palmer - Treasurer
Stuart has been a supporter of Keeping Abreast for a number of years before being elected as a Trustee in April. He is taking over the role of Treasurer from Iris and is looking forward to helping the charity move forward and expand.
Patrons
Elaine Sassoon - Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Elaine Sassoon was born in London and educated in Paris before going to Harvard University, USA. She returned to England to undertake her medical studies at University College Hospital, London. She continued her general surgical training at a number of teaching hospitals in the south of England and became a fellow of both the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1989.
She started her plastic surgery training in Oxford in 1989 and rotated through teaching hospitals in London, Birmingham, Cambridge and Norwich. She passed the Plastic Surgery Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1998 and became accredited in Plastic Surgery the same year.
She has spent overseas attachments in South Africa; France; Bosnia; Taiwan (perforator flap microsurgery); New Orleans, USA (perforator flap microsurgery) as well as overseas fellowships in Ljubljana, Slovenia (microsurgery) and Atlanta, USA (oculoplastic and aesthetic surgery).
She has run several regional, national and international courses in Plastic Surgery and has been awarded numerous prizes both nationally and internationally.
She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, a member of the British Association of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons, and a Corresponding Member of the Aesthetic Society (USA). She is also Chairman of the Breast Subcommittee of the British Association of Plastic Surgeons. In 2004 Miss Sassoon was declared the BAPRAS representative on the BAPRAS / BASO Interface Committee which decides breast cancer management policies.
Her interests include all aspects of aesthetic surgery, and reconstructive surgery of the breast.
Her current NHS position is Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital & Cromer Hospital.
Elaine says "I am immensely supportive of Keeping Abreast. I was strongly in favour of setting up a support group and could see the benefit patients derived from speaking to our breast reconstruction nurse. The Keeping Abreast support group is transforming patients and giving them so much confidence"
Richard Haywood - Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Mr Richard Haywood is part of Plastic Surgery Associates, a Private Practice of 5 NHS trained Consultant Plastic Surgeons based at the Spire (formerly BUPA) Hospital in Norwich, Norfolk. Mr Haywood undertakes all aspects of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery but has a specialist interest in breast reconstruction using microsurgical techniques.
Becky Jago - Television Presenter
Becky Jago started her media career at Vibe FM, working her way up to become the co-presenter on the breakfast show as well as reading the travel news, and doing film reviews. After appearing in a television documentary, she was spotted by producers of Anglia News who hired her as their weather girl. She was also the original 'booth girl' on The Wright Stuff which was filmed at the Anglia studios at the time.
In 2001 she joined the BBC's children's news programme Newsround, where as well as being the main studio presenter she also reported from all over the world. Becky then joined Capital Radio in February 2003 to be Chris Tarrant's side kick on the breakfast show. On leaving Capital Radio she did stints as a reporter on GMTV's Entertainment Today and Sky Sport's News before returning to Anglia News in May 2005. After having just over a year off to have her twin boys in 2006 she returned to our screens before becoming one of the two main presenters of Anglia Tonight
Becky was born in Suffolk, one of four children. When she was 18 her mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. It returned twice more during the next three years and, shortly after Becky finished University at the age of 21, she passed away. Becky has been involved in many charity events since then to raise awareness and money for cancer charities. She says of Keeping Abreast' "My mum would have been so proud of my association with this charity. They do amazing work and give support to so many women and their families. I feel honoured to be part of their fantastic, hard-working team."
Anna Stevenson - Owner of Stevenson Consulting
Anna Stevenson was born and brought up in Norfolk, where she now lives with her husband, Hugo and their two young boys, Jacob and Benjamin.
Anna began her career in PR & Marketing in the five star London hotel industry, before becoming PA to Elizabeth Hurley, working at film production company Simian Films, as well as living in the US for a time. Returning to Norwich in 2005, Anna worked in some of the region’s best known hotels, before founding her own PR & Marketing Consultancy in 2008. In 2011 Anna and her husband also embarked on a life-long dream and bought The Mill Café Bar & Restaurant, Yaxham, Norfolk.
Anna first heard about Keeping Abreast in 2010 and was profoundly impressed with the work they do. She has been a keen supporter ever since and assists in many aspects of the charity’s PR & Marketing. Anna said “It is a huge privilege to be asked to be a patron and I am so honoured to be part of such a wonderful charity.”
Miss Catalina Estela FRCS (Plast) - Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Catalina qualified in medicine in Barcelona, Spain in 1987 then completed all her post graduate training in the UK. She is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and obtained her FRCS (Plast) in 2003 after completion of her specialist registrar training in the South-West rotation. She was appointed as Consultant Plastic surgeon in 2005 and is currently working at Frenchay Hospital - North Bristol Trust.
She has a special interest in Breast reconstruction surgery and works very closely with her colleagues Mr Sherif Wilson and Breast Reconstruction Nurse Specialist Caroline Oates.
