Since joining in 2006, Colleen has been instrumental in transforming Friends of the Cancer Centre into one of the leading charities in Northern Ireland.  Under Colleen’s inspiring leadership, Friends of the Cancer Centre has become an integral part of local cancer services by enhancing the treatment and care available to patients and families.  Most importantly, during her time as Chief Executive, the charity has made a difference to the lives of hundreds of thousands of people across Northern Ireland.   

Ahead of her retirement later this week, Colleen reflected on her time at Friends of the Cancer Centre. She said:

“Friends of the Cancer Centre means so much to me and I am incredibly proud to have played a role in the charity’s work for nearly two decades.  I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the charity over the years and to everyone who continues to fundraise and donate to support our work.   Friends of the Cancer Centre will always be a cause very close to my heart and I know the charity will continue to go from strength to strength and continue to support families when they need it most.  As I step down as Chief Executive I look forward to becoming a proud supporter and I hope that you too will continue to support the charity in the years ahead.  Thank you for being a friend.”

Everyone who has met Colleen over the last 17 years will know that to her, this has been much more than a job; she has been the heart of Friends of the Cancer Centre, getting to know so many of us personally –  patients, families, colleagues and staff. So as she moves on to a new and exciting chapter with her much loved family, she leaves an incredible legacy. Whilst Colleen will be greatly missed by everyone at Friends of the Cancer Centre, we wish her the very best for her retirement. 

As Colleen retires, we are delighted to announce that the charity’s new Chief Executive is Ana Wilkinson and we will introduce Ana in the coming weeks.