Having worked in the commercial sector for over 40 years working for the charity is for me a privilege. 

A bit about myself: I enjoy travelling, new challenges and reading, for me family is very important. I have two grown daughters and 3 grandchildren ranging from 7, 11, 14 I enjoy watching football, rugby and in particular golf which I play (and have won the Wooden Spoon for The Nightingale Annual Charity Golf Day several times!).

Your Favourite Thing About Working At The Nightingale: Being able to connect with the wider community so that more and more people are aware of The Nightingale and of the unique services I feel we provide.

From banks to pubs, conferences to recruitment, I’ve had a very varied career. I have now been with The Nightingale for nearly 10 years, which seems like a long time. You know what they say, time flies when you’re having fun.

Your Favourite Thing About Working At The Nightingale: As Head of Services, I couldn’t chose just one thing, so these are my favourite things

– Seeing the difference the centre makes to the clients. From that first brave step coming in to the centre to the clients feeling relaxed and at home here.

– Seeing the valuable friendships made, hearing their experiences being shared. No day is ever the same.

– Knowing that the clients have us to ask for help, offload their problems or just come in for a cup of tea and a chat.

– We might see tears but we always have laughter.

I’ve been married for 30 years to a wonderfully patient man who puts up with my madness. In my spare time, we go to car boots and antiques fairs, always looking for the next bargain. I also read an awful lot and I’m quite partial to gin!

My role as Centre Facilitator means that I prepare the rooms for massage therapies, ensure towels get washed and dried ready for your therapies, the dishwasher gets emptied etc. I set up the rooms for the various classes we have and I also book the therapies for you lovely lot when you register at the Centre. In other words, all the things that need to be done behind the scenes to ensure that when you visit the Centre you are entering a place of calm and comfort. I am also very good at talking and listening which comes in handy too!

Favourite Thing About Working At The Nightingale: I can honestly say this is the best job I have ever had and it really doesn’t feel like work. The team here is absolutely brilliant and everyone made me feel welcome from day one, as have all the regular clients who visit the Centre. My husband says he has never seen me so happy and fulfilled in a job.

People assume that working for a cancer charity would be a bit miserable and sad. It is sad occasionally but if you could hear the laughter coming from the room during the Coffee Morning (Tuesdays at 10.30 by the way), you would understand why it is such a joyful place to work.

I’ve worked in banking for most of my career, 25 years if you can believe it! I was at NatWest and RSB for the majority of that time. When I moved on from banking I decided to volunteer for The Nightingale in the office. When a full-time position opened up I jumped at the chance and joined as an Admin Assistant in 2015.

Favourite Thing About Working At The Nightingale: Seeing the change in clients when they have been coming to the centre for a while. They initially come in apprehensive but after a few visits they leave with a smile and often a group of new friends.

I previously worked in more corporate marketing roles in and around North London but I had always said working in the charity sector was my dream. Joining The Nightingale as their first Marketing and Communications Officer has definitely been exciting. No two days are the same in this office!

Favourite Thing About Working At The Nightingale: No matter how much you have to do, you can step away, go downstairs and see the direct impact your work is having and the difference you’re making. Not many people could say that about where they work.

I worked in finance for most of my career.

In 2022 I went to The Nightingale’s annual fashion show and was totally amazed with the concept that a local charity could put on such a fabulous event for their clients. I was literally hooked there and then and knew that I wanted to volunteer at this most incredible charity. I started as a Receptionist in the Centre in October 2022 and helped out in the office whenever I could.

In mid-2023 I was offered the opportunity to become Volunteer Coordinator here. I work 2 days a week in the role and absolutely love it. With over 100 volunteers on our books, it is a full on commitment which is so rewarding.

I still love volunteering at our various events throughout the year it is a joy to represent The Nightingale.

Favourite Thing About Working At The Nightingale:  The team ethic here is on a completely different level to anything else I have witnessed in over 40 years in the work environment. We pull together on absolutely everything, every day is different, we laugh, we cry and we work hard. I can truthfully say every day that I am delighted to be a member of ‘Team Nightingale’.

Before working at The Nightingale, I created content for many clients including my own small business. I applied for the job as I wanted to use my skills in a completely new sector.

As I only work at the Centre one day a week, I thought my job would primarily be sat at my desk. Oh, was I wrong! There is always an event or something exciting happening that I need to photograph. I have met so many people – and if you ever see me with my phone out, make sure you are camera ready.

Favourite thing about working at The Nightingale: Being behind the camera and able to capture beautiful moments. It’s so lovely to engage with our clients and hear their beautiful stories.  Also, knowing my social media posts may help someone during their cancer journey feel part of our family.

I have 40 years in retail and when looking for a new role I wanted to be part of an organisation that helps the community I’ve lived in for over 40years. I’ve been a Part-time shop manager in the Baker Street Charity Shop since 2015. The good work the charity does has helped many of my friends and colleagues who like myself live in Enfield. 

When I’m not working at the shop I enjoy various hobbies, the main one being granny duty!

Favourite Thing About Working At The Nightingale: The camaraderie and atmosphere in the shop between the customers and staff is very special. It makes going to work pleasurable and worthwhile. 

I have known The Nightingale for many years, as I have had cancer twice and the charity was there to support me and my family. I then had a great opportunity to work for them, first as a volunteer a year before becoming a part-time manger which I’ve been doing for the last 10 years. I first started at the Oakwood shop and now I’m at the Baker Street shop, which I love. During this time I’ve had the pleasure of working with a great group of volunteers and other managers.

I am now 63 years old and clear of cancer.

Favourite Thing About Working At The Nightingale: I’ve learnt to stay strong and positive, it can be done.

I started my career in Marketing & Hospitality, working in both Europe & UK.

I was introduced to The Nightingale as a client in 2015, after my treatment finished I wanted to help the charity that had helped me so much. I set up & Coordinated the EBAY store for the company, & thankfully this has grown from strength to strength.

Favourite Thing About Working At The Nightingale: I really enjoy working with the volunteers & my colleagues. Helping our customers & our charity is the best feeling.

I have a background in fashion retail and have been an experienced shop manager for over 15 years. I then went onto various other roles such as PA/ OFFICE Manager and Events coordinator.

I then became a mum of 2 children and set up a decluttering and organising company to help people who struggle physically, mentally and financially within the local community and internationally. In my spare time I enjoy modelling, reading, cooking, painting and dancing to name a few things.

Favourite Thing About Working At The Nightingale: I’m able to reach more people in need in our community and I get to use my passion for helping others. 

Sam has lived in Enfield for all of her life and joined the board of trustees in March 2011 before being appointed Chair. In her working career, Sam was an audit and advisory partner in two of the largest firms of charity accountants and auditors.

She is now a consultant to the charity and education sector providing guidance on governance, finance and risk.

Cumulatively, she has been advising the sector for over 25 years.

Andrew Bone, born and lived in Enfield most of his life and is a founder Trustee of The Nightingale. He has been involved in the development and running of care and housing services during his time as a qualified Social Worker. Andrew is also a director of The Nightingale’s Trading Arm.

Dr Pat was educated in North London and attended St Georges Medical School after which he practised as a GP for 33 years in Enfield. During this time Dr Pat met Teresa Aylott, another Founding Trustee, and they worked together to provide cancer support in his practice.

Dr Pat was then invited to become a Founding Trustee by Andrew Bone and has been proud to see the charity adapting and growing to meet the needs of those experiencing the effects of cancer since the charity’s founding.

Dr Anjum Iqbal is a semi retired GP and now does GP doctor training and examination. He first worked as a GP in East End of London 5 years and then moved to work & live in Enfield. His interests include education, tennis and charity.

I have lived in Enfield since 1973 and my career in primary education ended as Head Teacher of St George’s school in Enfield Town. I was appointed as a Nightingale Trustee in 2021 and I am a member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee.