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Home / Rachel Billsberry-Grass has announced she will step down as CEO at the beginning of 2026

Rachel Billsberry-Grass, Chief Executive of Wessex Cancer Support, has announced she will step down at the beginning of 2026, after five and a half years leading the charity.

Rachel joined Wessex Cancer Support in July 2020, guiding the organisation through the pandemic and expanding its reach through the delivery of the three-year Cancer Support For All strategy. She has played a central role in shaping the new 2025–2029 strategy, reinforcing the charity’s commitment to ensuring everyone in the region feels able to access the support they might need.

In sharing her decision with the Board, staff and volunteers, Rachel expressed she was pleased to be leaving the charity with a strong senior leadership team in place; a new energy in our income generation activities across both shops and fundraising, and in our marketing; a services team that is consistently delivering high standards for our clients; and an HR and training function that is growing in impact.

 

“My time with Wessex Cancer Support, and working with the team, has felt like an extraordinary privilege and I will be sad to leave.”

“It has been so interesting and moving to get to know all areas of the charity and the individual stories, the warmth and commitment, of the staff and volunteers who make our community what it is, and the positive difference this makes to our clients who regularly tell me how important our services have been for them. It has been such a pleasure to play even a small part in helping so many people affected by cancer.”

“For myself, I will be taking some time to decide what I want to do next and in the meantime it’s likely to include some travel and perfecting my pottery skills. But there is still a lot to do before I go, not least, working with colleagues on exciting fundraising and marketing plans to commemorate our 45th year in 2026.”

Rachel Billsberry-Grass, CEO

“It’s been a genuine pleasure to work alongside Rachel since she became CEO. Her leadership has steered the charity through pivotal challenges, always with clarity, determination, and a deep commitment to our mission.”

“Rachel brought not only strategic insight and operational rigour, but also a warmth and compassion that resonated throughout the organisation”.

“On behalf of the Board, I extend our sincere thanks for her dedication and the lasting contributions she has made. We wish her every success in the next chapter of her journey.”

Diane Cutler, Chair of Wessex Cancer Support’s Board of Trustees,

The search for her successor is now underway.