Local cancer charity, Big C, which offers support to those affected by cancer in Norfolk and Waveney, has appointed a new Director of Charitable Operations. Dr Melanie Pascale has joined the charity from the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, working in the Quadram Institute at Norwich Research Park, where she was NHS Clinical Research Facility Lead. In her new role at Big C, Dr Pascale will be responsible for leading and managing the charity’s operational services, including the development and delivery of Big C’s support and information services, research grant and education programmes. She will also act as an ambassador for the charity locally and nationally. Dr Pascale has an extensive background in clinical science with a long-term focus on oncology and the patient experience. She said, “I am incredibly excited about joining the Big C team. Throughout my studies and career to date, I have been heavily involved in cancer research and cancer services and I am passionate about patient care. I have worked with Big C centres previously when running oncology clinical trials for our NNUH and JPUH patients and I am looking forward to utilising my knowledge and experience to help the organisation further develop their outstanding cancer support services and cancer education programme, which we are so fortunate to have in Norfolk and Waveney. I feel honoured to be joining the charity at a very exciting time in its growth.” Dr Chris Bushby, Chief Executive at Big C, said “We are delighted to welcome Melanie to Big C and we’re so pleased that the charity is going to benefit from her wealth of relevant experience and expertise. She will be a huge asset to the organisation and I look forward to working together to deliver important developments in our support for those with cancer in our region. “At Big C we are always full of energy for developing new services to help those with cancer, at what can be a deeply difficult time for those with a diagnosis, as well as their families and loved ones. As ever, we are currently very busy with our Nearer to Home Appeal to raise funds to build a brand-new state of the art cancer support facility in central Norwich, investment into the world-class cancer research taking place at the Norwich Research Park and development of our education programme.” To learn more about the work Big C does to improve the lives of those affected by cancer in Norfolk and Waveney, please visit www.big-c.co.uk
