Who am I?

Sue is Alopecia UK’s Chief Executive Officer, following her appointment in 2022. Sue first came across Alopecia UK in 2016 when she need support on her alopecia journey.  She grew up in London but has lived in Cheshire with her husband Kevin since 2010. Sue has had alopecia areata since childhood.

Sue's background:

Sue’s career is founded in over 25 years in global banking followed by a transition to the charity sector. She is a professionally qualified coach with extensive experience leading large teams through complex change programmes. She brings people leadership skills, curiosity and practical experience.

But it’s not all professional mumbo jumbo. Sue has been a life and career coach at three other charities, working with some of the most disadvantaged families and young people. She understands the impact of trauma and difference on a person, and how much knowledge and support matters. She enjoys seeing change happen first-hand.

Sue at Alopecia UK:

Sue provides leadership across Alopecia UK's strategic direction and day-to-day operations. She works across the full breadth of the charity’s work from organisational development and strategic planning to people leadership, governance, communications, fundraising and technology.

With no two days the same, Sue focuses on ensuring the charity is well-run, sustainable, and continually evolving to deliver meaningful impact.

Before joining as an employee Sue volunteered and fundraised for Alopecia UK.

Why Alopecia UK?

“I was first diagnosed with alopecia areata in primary school, my teenage years were tough, but I especially recall my twenties and fearing that my patchy hair loss would show and somehow impact how I was regarded at work, it didn’t!

I found Alopecia UK when I lost all my hair in my 40s.  I recall first speaking to Amy who signposted me to our supportive private Facebook group, it was such a relief to know I was not alone.  I then attended Alton Towers and a Big Weekend event.  I am in no doubt that meeting other people with alopecia face to face and online was the game-changer for my mindset, and I my confidence grew! 

On reflection, losing my hair has challenged me to find my strengths. It took a while to get here, but I know I am a better person and have developed a kinder outlook on the world. 

I’m often told that Alopecia UK is punching above its weight. We are a small team, with only one of my colleagues working full time, but we are supported by an incredible community of volunteers who bring their passion and skills to everything we do. Some support our peer networks, others contribute clinical or research expertise, and many share professional skills such as web design, communications or medical writing. Alongside them, our Board of Trustees provides guidance, challenge and professional insight to support both me and the wider team.

When you pause to think about all those people aligned around one goal, improving the lives of people with alopecia, it really is inspiring.

I believe that having choice matters. Leading Alopecia UK allows me to help more people understand their condition and make decisions that feel right for them, whether that’s accepting their alopecia, seeking medical care or psychological support, or embracing being visibly different in a world that often places such value on appearance. We champion every individual’s right to follow their own path, and I believe it’s completely natural for those choices to change over time."

Sue's favourite inspirational quotes:

Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do. (Brené Brown)

It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts. (Harry S Truman)