The cancer charity Penny Brohn UK has appointed Julie Worrall as its next chief executive.
Worrall, who 15 years ago was diagnosed with stage four cancer of the ovary, is director of fundraising and development at Above and Beyond, the charity of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust.
She will succeed Laura Kerby, who took up the top job at Myeloma UK earlier this year.
Worrall said: “Fifteen years ago, at the age of 24, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the ovary. This particular type of cancer was so rare that only 15 people in the UK are diagnosed with it a year. It was a huge shock to us all.
“However, I was lucky. I received incredible treatment, care and compassion which I will forever be grateful for. It was a devastating experience physically and emotionally that continues to impact me to this day, however it also gave rise to so much good.”
She said she had since dedicated her career to using her professional skills to “giving back”.
She said: “I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to take my journey full circle and remain driven to turn my experiences into a force for good.”
Stephen Rosser, chair of Penny Brohn, said Worrall was a strong strategic leader and believed her appointment would be transformational for the charity.
“Julie has over 15 years in the charity health sector, seven of these in formal leadership roles and has served on boards for national and local charities.
“We are confident that under Julie’s leadership we will find ground-breaking ways to reach more people with cancer – in their home, in their community and in hospital.”
Worrall will take up the new position in October.