Rachel Billsberry-Grass
Chief Executive
As Chief Executive, Rachel is responsible for running Wessex Cancer Support effectively to ensure we continue to support the thousands of people across the region who need us, in the best possible way. She reports to the Board of Trustees and together they develop our strategy, which she delivers with the Senior Leadership Team.
For more than 30 years, Rachel has worked in leadership roles in the voluntary sector. She has a particular interest in supporting people to achieve good mental health and joined Wessex Cancer Support as she could see how valuable the charity’s wellbeing services are for people affected by cancer.
In her spare time, Rachel volunteers as a Trustee of The Change Foundation, plays netball and sings whenever she gets the chance.
Colette Cowan
Director of Services
As Head of Services, Colette is responsible for overseeing all the services we provide to anyone living with cancer. One in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime and yet everyone’s experience of it will be different. Colette’s role is to ensure that anyone gets the free, local and personalised support they need, when they need it.
Outside of work, Colette loves spending time with her young family, walking, swimming and playing in the garden.
Mark Ellis
Director of Retail
Marks heads up a small yet dedicated team of Retail Managers, Assistant Managers and volunteers from our fantastic shops. Mark hails from a hospitality background, but 15 years ago joined the world of coffee as Manager for two big coffee chains. A stroke a few years later led him to charity retail which eventually led him to Wessex Cancer Support. In his role, Mark finds that no two days are ever the same and he’s constantly amazed by the variety and quality of the donations and generosity of our supporters.
Outside of work, Mark enjoys spending time with his two dogs and three cats.
Sally Hillyear
Director of Fundraising and Marketing
As the Head of Fundraising, Sally’s role is to ensure that we raise as much money as possible to help people locally with cancer.
Sally is an experienced fundraiser with 30 years’ experience and has spent her career raising money for several national and local charities with a passion to help people.
Away from work, Sally is a keen theatre-goer and loves musicals in particular. She also loves spending time with her 4 children and 1 grandchild.
Dave Robertson
Director of Finances and Resources
Dave’s role is to ensure that Wessex Cancer Support’s finances are sound and protected, and that relevant information is provided to Trustees and staff to enable the team to make sound decisions about how the charity operates.
Dave brings many years of experience in managing the finances of charities and joined Wessex Cancer Support because he wanted to work with a charity that gives so much support to local people living with cancer.
Away from work, Dave is a keen walker, enjoys watching many sports, spending time with his grandchildren and music.