Meet the Team

Here are some of the people you might meet should you have any interaction with the charity.

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Chief Executive

Gráinne McKenna

Gráinne joined the Charity in 2013 during the charity’s redevelopment and restructuring period, which saw the establishment of services at the new Cancer Relief Centre. Gráinne brought over 20 years of nursing and healthcare managerial experience to the various roles she held within the Charity; naturally progressing to CEO in 2018.

As CEO Gráinne is responsible for the strategic leadership; effective governance; and financial sustainability of Cancer Relief. Her focus is on delivering the highest quality cancer support, hospice, and community end of life care. Under her leadership the charity has grown into the exemplary organisation we have today. Her commitment to excellence in service delivery drives her strategic vision for Cancer Relief. Together with the senior management team she steers service developments and influences best clinical practices for our patients and families.

Gráinne is passionate about clinical education, the wellbeing, engagement and development of charity staff and volunteers. Listening and working with our inspiring community, supporters and donors is a priority; as together with our patients, families, staff, and volunteers we help shape and secure the future of Cancer Relief for the community of Gibraltar.

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Trustee

Marisa Desoiza

Marisa trained as a nurse in the 1970s and became involved with the charity in the early 1980s as a volunteer driver while taking a career break to raise her family. In 1993, she was appointed Manager of the Lady Williams Centre, a role she held for 11 years. During this time, she recognised the profoundly positive impact of palliative care on the quality of life of people with advanced cancer and developed a strong interest in expanding this service locally. As a result, the Hospice at Home nursing service and a cancer support group were established.

Marisa went on to complete a Master’s degree in Health Care Management in 2004. After leaving the Lady Williams Centre to take up employment elsewhere, she remained actively involved with the charity by serving on its committee on a voluntary basis. When Mrs Lillian Pitaluga retired as Chairperson, Marisa was invited to take on the role, a position she held until 2025, after which she continued to support the Board as a Trustee.

Marisa was instrumental in the charity’s relocation in 2013 from Devil’s Tower Road to its current premises in South Barrack Road. Alongside her fellow Trustees and the Centre team, she has overseen significant developments in the cancer support services provided. She considers it an honour to have been part of a team that has supported so many people affected by cancer over the years.

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Cancer Relief Chairman

Fabian Vinet

Fabian is a Barrister by profession, having been Called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1999 and thereafter to the Bar of Gibraltar. He is a Director and Head of Risk and Legal at RSM Gibraltar and a former Government Minister and former Chairman of Gibtelecom, AquaGib and the Gibraltar Electricity Authority, as well as having served on the Government’s Land Management Committee and Development Appeals Tribunal. More recently, he was appointed a member of the Commission on Democratic and Parliamentary Reform, making formal recommendations on all aspects of our parliamentary and electoral systems, and headed the commercial operations for the Gibraltar NatWest International Island Games. In 2025, he was invited by the Board to serve as Chairperson, a role he holds today. Fabian has a keen interest in music, writing, travelling and politics, he supports Liverpool FC and is incredibly proud to be associated with Cancer Relief Gibraltar and its wonderful staff and volunteers.

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Trustee

Christopher Pitaluga

Chris graduated from Oxford in 1984 with a degree in English Literature but has spent his career as a professional trustee, specialising in private wealth and corporate structuring. After some years in banking, during which he qualified as a Chartered Banker and TEP, he joined PricewaterhouseCoopers / Abacus in 1995 and became a Partner in 2001. He has been the CEO of Abacus since 2010 but still makes time for his five children (and wife), a passion for running (slowly) and the habitual disappointment of being a supporter of Arsenal football club. Chris is the trustee of several charitable trusts and was appointed a trustee of Cancer Relief in 2013. In his role as a trustee, he supports the activities of the charity in the community and, in common with other trustees, upholds the vision of the charity and ensures its financial stability and integrity.

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Trustee

Kevin Bastone

Kevin has spent his entire career in finance, working in the UK, Europe, and Asia. He has experience of retail banking, shipping finance, private banking, family offices, trust and company management, pensions, and funds, and has managed companies within these sectors. Kevin spent three years in Gibraltar in the late 90’s and returned to reside here in 2009. He hopes that he can use his business skills to help the charity as it continues to evolve and provide the specialist support that is very much needed and valued by the community.

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Treasurer & Trustee

Geoff Harding

Born in London and having qualified in Engineering and Accountancy, Geoff worked in UK, Africa, and the Middle East before relocating to Gibraltar in 1981. He quickly resolved to make Gibraltar his permanent home and is now semi-retired but still active as a Management Accountant. He retains involvement in several businesses here and acts as a Non-Executive Director of several Gibraltar companies, as well as pursuing his interests in exotic holidays and football. Geoff joined the Charity as a volunteer in 2006 because he wanted to give back some of his time and expertise to the people of Gibraltar. He helped with the reorganisation of the charity structure and was appointed Trustee in 2011. He is an integral part of the management team and took over the role of Treasurer in 2019, bringing his many years of experience in management and finance to the Board.

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Trustee

Dr. Nathan Chichon

Nathan was born and raised in Gibraltar and spent 14 years in Aberdeen, Scotland, where he trained and worked as a medical practitioner. It was there he met his wife Emma, both returning to Gibraltar in 2004 where they now live with their daughter Bethany. He has the privilege to serve the people of Gibraltar as a GP at the Primary Care Centre. Nathan’s interests include drawing & painting, fishing, and reading graphic novels, but his passion is football. He was the GFA Chief Medical Officer during the years (2013-17) when they joined UEFA. Nathan considers it a great privilege to have been appointed a CRC Trustee in 2018. His clinical background and training in palliative care offers him valuable insight and facilitates performing his duties as a trustee. He hopes to continue to work with the amazing Cancer Relief team for many years and help to deliver this much valued service to those in need in the community.

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Centre Services CNS Lead

Vanessa Cross

Vanessa is our Centre Service Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) lead. She joined the Cancer Relief team in May 2019. Vanessa has strong clinical and professional skills; her role is to lead Centre services influencing and driving clinical and holistic service quality and improvement. Vanessa has worked within oncology since qualification at The Royal London Hospital in 1992. She specialised in the field of breast cancer care from 2001, first as a Research Nurse and then as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. She completed her Master’s degree during this time focusing on the psycho-social aspects of breast cancer and uses her knowledge and experience to provide specialist cancer care, emotional support and advice to all Cancer Relief patients and their families.

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Clinical Support Worker

Georgia Casson

Georgia has worked within the health and social sector for eleven years and holds a NVQ2 in health and social care. Her primary background is disabilities however she has also worked with the elderly in England and Gibraltar. Georgia moved to Gibraltar in 2017 and previously worked with the Hospice Outreach Service team. She has come back to Cancer Relief in 2022 to join the Centre team as the Centre Services Clinical Support Worker. Georgia supports the Centre services team in the efficient running of holistic services appointment system as well as the Centres Day Support service. Georgia says, “Cancer Relief are a family, and I am truly grateful to be a part of something so special and meaningful.”

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Centre Services Nurse

Karen Richards

Karen began her nursing career serving in the QARNNS Royal Navy nursing service, after qualifying at Portsmouth University. After serving 9 years at various postings, she left for motherhood and the first of her four children. Karen continued nursing in a variety of positions across the UK before moving for the sunnier climates of the Mediterranean, working at RNH Gibraltar and PRMC until their closure in 2014 when she moved to St Bernard’s Hospital. With over 30 years of nursing experience, Karen uses her extensive knowledge and skills to support patients and their families who access Centre services. She is responsible for the management and day to day running of the Centre’s cancer Day Support service.

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Holistic And Clinical Appointment Coordinator

Alex Gatenby

Alex recently joined the Cancer Relief Centre as maternity cover for the administration and scheduling of appointments for our Holistic Services. If you have experienced any of our wonderful therapies recently, then you will have heard from Alex!

Originally from the UK, Alex moved here over 10 years ago with her young family. Now they are flying the nest, Alex took the opportunity to return to work when she heard about the opening at the Centre. She is excited to support our community, which she has come to love during the time she has been here, and says although it's a change from her previous life as a tax advisor, the organisational skills and attention to detail have certainly come in handy.

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Centre Services CNS

Kate Howarth

Kate Howarth completed her nursing training in Leeds, U.K., in 2002 and has since built a wealth of clinical experience, working both locally and internationally in various cancer and hospice care settings. Her journey with the Charity has seen many exciting evolutions. Kate initially joined in 2010 as a volunteer before becoming one of our Centre’s clinical nurses.

After a brief sabbatical, she rejoined the Charity in 2022 as a highly valued Hospice Clinical Nurse Specialist with our community hospice team. Caring for those affected by cancer has always been at the heart of Kate’s nursing career, inspired by the care her father received during his illness.

Her passion for holistic care has driven her to embark on a new and exciting chapter, developing her specialist skills in complementary therapies. As the Holistic Therapies Lead, Kate will now be joining the Centre Services team while training as a Clinical Hypnotherapist. She is eager to integrate her new skills into cancer and hospice care, enhancing the compassionate support we provide to our community.

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Fundraising Department Manager

Rowena Wallace

Rowena obtained a BA in Psychology and, before her return to Gibraltar, worked as clinical trial co-ordinator and in clinical trials pharmacy working closely with the Welcome Trust, and Cancer Research to conduct research in over 200 trials. Keen to continue working within the cancer community, Rowena joined Cancer Relief in 2014 as Centre administrator, transitioning into the newly created fundraising department in 2019 where she naturally transitioned to department lead. Today Rowena manages and drives our fundraising, marketing, and events needs under the umbrella of our fundraising department. She leads the team members who work across these sections to accomplish our income strategy targets as well as our marketing and branding needs. Her time with the charity has given her keen insights into the challenges of income generation and generating new income streams from a variety of sources so that the charity can continue providing much-needed services to our community. She is proud to be part of such a dynamic team and honoured to work for a charity that means so much to so many.

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Marketing and Brand Officer

Samir Smirass

Samir has been a dedicated member of the charity since 2016, starting out as a valued volunteer before transitioning into the role of community hospice healthcare assistant. He excelled in that position for over five years, and after a brief sabbatical, returned as our new Branding and Marketing Officer. This move, while challenging, marks an exciting new chapter for Samir, as it supports his growing passion for media and marketing. Samir is committed to learning and personal development, actively honing his skills and knowledge in media and marketing and bringing fresh energy and a unique perspective to the team. In his free time, Samir enjoys reading history books, playing the piano, and paddleboarding on sunny days.”

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Events & Corporate Relationships Manager

Bianca Yeo

Bianca started out with the Charity providing her Zumba Gold classes to our Day Support service. Little did she know that she would end up becoming a vital part of the fundraising department. She officially joined the team in 2023 and brings her extensive knowledge and years of event management experience, both locally and internationally, to the charity. Bianca is enthusiastic and passionate about generating new income generating avenues and using her skills to help the charity grow and be sustainable. Bianca says ‘little did I know when I started providing Zumba Gold classes to day support that I would end up being part of this fabulous team! I’m very excited about my role and have been made feel very welcome.”

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Fundraising Assistant

Elaine Thompson

Elaine moved to Gibraltar in 2015 and has spent the past 11 years embracing everything that life on the Rock has to offer. Through her career as an estate agent, she gained invaluable insight into Gibraltar’s close‑knit community, its wonderful people and its many hidden gems.
When the opportunity arose to join the Fundraising Team at the Centre, Elaine was delighted to put her strong people skills and genuine passion for helping others to full use. She is extremely proud to be part of such a dedicated and compassionate organisation and finds great fulfilment in supporting the vital work the Centre provides to the wider community.
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Fundraising & Events Coordinator

Beth Sosa

Beth is a cause-driven Event Coordinator with a deep passion for health, wellness, and community.
Originally from the United States, she now calls Gibraltar home, bringing with her years of experience in organizing events that support charitable causes, promote healthy living, and foster meaningful connections.
She is especially passionate about supporting cancer charities, having led numerous initiatives to raise funds and awareness for organizations close to her heart.
Beth is currently pursuing a degree in Health Sciences, focusing on Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness. Outside of her professional work, she’s an avid runner, Ironman triathlete, and proud mother to an amazing teenage daughter. She enjoys paddleboarding, traveling, and trying new cuisines, and finds joy in sharing active, feel-good experiences with others.
Proud to be a member of the events team at Cancer Relief Gibraltar, Beth believes that wellness should be accessible, empowering, and enjoyable—no matter where someone is on their journey.
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Hospice Service Clinical Nurse Specialist Lead

Deborah Reason

Debbie joined the Cancer Relief Hospice Outreach Service (HOS) as a Hospice nurse in 2019 following a short spell back in the UK where she gained experience as a hospice at home nurse. Today, Debbie is the HOS Clinical Nurse Specialist service lead. Her role is to provide clinical leadership and management to the HOS team and is responsible in ensuring the service provision delivers the best possible hospice care and quality of life support for those in our community living with a life limiting illness. Debbie trained in Dundee and started her nursing career as a district nurse in Moss side, Manchester. In 2014, she came to Gibraltar for a sailing holiday and never left. When she’s not working, she prefers spending her time with horses and dogs, yoga and bakes a mean brownie. She is currently undertaking her Masters in Palliative Medicine for Health Care Professionals at Cardiff University, Wales.

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Hospice Nurse

Genesis Alejandro

Genesis and her family moved back to Spain from the U.K after 10 years of dedicated work within the NHS. She brings a wealth of clinical experience and compassionate care to the Cancer Relief Hospice team. Genesis completed her nurse training at the University of Almeria and specialised in acute and critical care. In her non-working time Genesis likes to spend time with her family and travel with them to new places. To relax Genesis likes to paint and do cross stich.

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Healthcare Assistant

Alberto Sanchez

Originally from Los Barrios (Spain), Alberto moved to UK in 2015 looking for a new challenge. He developed his training as a Healthcare Assistant in the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust in Reading, working in an acute surgical ward and after a year, becoming a Senior Healthcare Assistant. During his career in UK, he has also worked in a care agency in different specialities. Alberto moved back to Spain in January 2021. He joined an elderly care agency to get to know Gibraltar, before joining the Cancer Relief team in June of the same year. He feels he has found a new challenge to keep developing his skills and knowledge and most enjoys interacting with the community and helping them in the best way he can. In his spare time, Alberto enjoys lots of different sports and training.

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Hospice Clinical Nurse Specialist

Alejandro Ocaña Ruiz

Alejandro is one of our senior hospice service Clinical Nurse Specialists joining the HOS team in June 2019. He completed his Nursing Degree at the University of Huelva, Spain in 2015, specialising in Critical Care. However, he has always had a passion for cancer and palliative care. Throughout his nursing career he undertook numerous training courses in cancer and palliative care management, completing his Master’s degree in Palliative Care through the Cudeca Foundation and the University of Malaga in 2021. End of life care is one of Alejandro’s passions, focusing on the holistic approach to provide the best quality of care for our patients and their families.

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Hospice Nurse

Conor Twomey

I’m originally from the southwest coast of Ireland. I grew up in a healthcare-orientated family, so it felt natural to pursue a career in nursing when I was 19 years old. I received a great offer from the University of Southampton in the UK and began my training during Covid-19.
After qualifying in 2023, I started my first role on the Teenage and Young Adult Cardiac Ward at UHS. We specialised in acute and long-term surgical care for young adults with congenital heart conditions. It was a brilliant experience, and I worked there for two years.
My career path then changed when my partner and I decided we wanted a change of scenery and moved to sunny Gibraltar. As they are Llanito, it felt like the perfect fit. I had always thought I might move into cancer or palliative care one day, so I was fortunate to join such a great team.
I began my career in cancer and palliative care with CRC in early 2025. I’ve had a wonderful experience working with CRC so far, and I look forward to many more years with the team.
In my free time, I’m an avid coffee drinker, so you’ll likely spot me on Main Street enjoying a café manchado or out walking my dog. I also love travelling to experience different cultures and history. Otherwise, you’ll usually find me reading a good book or at the cinema.
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Health Care Assistance

Silvija Desoiza

Silvija is a motivated care assistant with over 15 years’ experience in caring and healthcare. Silvia joined Cancer Relief in 2024 having practiced and developed her skills for many years with the Gibraltar Health Authority. A trained occupational therapy assistant and massage therapist Silvia brings a range of experience and knowledge to the team. A keen runner herself, she is also actively involved and volunteers in Special Olympics Gibraltar every year.

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Health Care Assistance

Annabelle Camino

Annabelle has many years of care experience in many fields, from cardiothoracic, adults with learning disabilities and dementia. She joined Cancer Relief in June 2019, the charity being something very close to her heart. She feels she has found her perfect place, supporting patients and their families in the most difficult of times. Anna helps coordinate our equipment service deliveries as well as our Chair Based Exercise programme and bereavement support programme.

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Hospice Clinical Nurse Specialist

María Baeza

María joined the HOS team in 2021 and following her successful completion of the European Certificate in Essential Palliative Care became one of our newest CNS. María graduated and completed her Nursing Degree in Córdoba University (Spain) in 2013 and, following advice from a very good friend, decided to move to the UK and start working at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. Here she worked in numerous clinical settings which involved oncological care from Urological to Intensive Care. Eventually joining the Uro-oncology team as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Due to the pandemic, along with her husband and 1-year-old baby, she decided to move closer to her family back in Spain and start a career in Gibraltar. In her free time, Maria loves to spend time with her family, especially at the seaside.

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Hospice Nurse

Sarah Norris

Sarah joined the Hospice Outreach team at Cancer Relief Gibraltar in 2025. Originally from Liverpool, she began her healthcare career as a Healthcare Assistant on a busy respiratory ward. After qualifying as a nurse, she went on to work at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital as a cardiac nurse on a surgical ward, gaining experience in caring for patients with complex needs and developing a strong passion for end-of-life care. She also previously volunteered at Cancer Relief Gibraltar’s Day Service whilst studying. She later moved to Gibraltar, where she welcomed her baby girl 18 months ago. In her free time, Sarah enjoys going to the beach and enjoys creating art, having previously completed an art degree at the University of Leeds.

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Hospice Nurse

Cathy Trewhella

Joining the Hospice team within Cancer Relief in September 2025 from the UK, I bring over 20 years of experience in healthcare. My background is diverse, including work in maternity and delivery, HDU/recovery, and, for the last 10 years, in community settings specialising in community nursing, clinical operations, and palliative care. More recently, I worked as a Community Specialist Practitioner in Frailty and Ageing Well within an Urgent Community Response Team, focusing on acute assessment at home and admission avoidance.

Working within the Cancer Relief Hospice team means I can continue prioritising what is most important to me as a nurse: connecting with patients and their families. Cancer Relief gives me the gift of time to build those connections during people’s final chapters of life while enabling holistic, patient-centred care.

I moved to Gibraltar in June 2025, and when I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, and walking my dog.

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Health Care Assistance

Linda Crawford

I’m originally from Scotland and moved to Gibraltar in March 2014.
I trained and worked as an Enrolled Nurse from 1983-2003, covering many aspects of care, gaining knowledge and skills, including working with the Marie Curie service as a bank nurse in Palliative Care.
I retrained in Health & Social Care in 2006 and worked in this field until I moved to Gibraltar in 2014.
I worked with Dr Giraldi in the Learning Disability sector for 10 years before joining Cancer Relief. I joined Cancer Relief Hospice Outreach team in November 2025.
Working with Cancer Relief Hospice Outreach Service means I am able to use my skills and knowledge supporting patients and their families in our community with a life limiting condition in a holistic, patient centre led approach.
My daily aim when working is to bring a smile to someone’s face. I  am blessed that my 3 daughters also moved to Gibraltar, so when I’m not working I enjoy spending family time with them, their husbands and my 3 granddaughters.
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Operational Manager

Nichola McCheyne

Nic brings her extensive years of organisational management and leading teams to Cancer Relief’s operational department. She supports the CEO in the effective and efficient running of the Charity business. Nic moved to Gibraltar in October 2018 searching for sunshine and an escape from the daily London commute. After completing a degree in European Business at Loughborough University Nic began a career in Consumer Research, working as a Research Director, leading a team, and managing several client accounts. Nic started out as a volunteer at Cancer Relief and moved to work full-time within the team in March 2019 to support the operational and administration needs of the charity. Nic loves the varied nature of her work and the sunshine that not only shines on her daily commute but that the lovely team around her bring.

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HR & Facilities Manager

Angela Duthie

Angela came to Spain in 2003 with her husband looking for a slower pace of life with that extra bit of sunshine. Three boys later in 2011 they decided to move to Gibraltar. In 2017 she decided to give up her fast-paced work life in gaming to spend more time with her family. She soon realised that she had some spare time on her hands to do something worthwhile which is where Cancer Relief came in. Angela volunteered with us for two years helping at our weekly day support days and absolutely loved the fact that she was able to give something back. When the role of Office Administrator became available, she couldn’t refuse the opportunity to work with such an awesome team of people like Cancer Relief Gibraltar. Angela supports the operational manager in the running of the department and leads in the management of our wonderful volunteer service.

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Clinical and Operations Administrator

Vanya Theodorova

Vanya has over 25 years of international NGO-related work experience in Bulgaria and Ireland, working on various projects in economic development, rule of law, integration and social inclusion funded by USAID, The World Bank, Atlantic Philanthropies, The One Foundation. Following her dream to live in the sun by the sea, she moved to Andalucía about five years ago. After a short stint in the for-profit sector, Vanya recently returned to the charity sector where her heart has always been, by joining the amazing Cancer Relief Team and being able to contribute to the cause. Vanya divides her time between the HOS and Centre services using her extensive knowledge and skills to support the effective daily running of both services.

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Business Support Manager

Georgie Weeks

I moved to Gibraltar in 2022 from the UK, where I worked as a Health & Safety Consultant. My love affair with Gibraltar began much earlier, though. I first visited in 2007 and fell in love with the Gibraltar immediately. I made a promise to myself that one day I would live and work here, enjoying a happy life under the sun.
It took a few years to turn that dream into reality, including spending some time living in Dubai, but in 2022 everything finally fell into place. I made the move to Gibraltar and have felt at home ever since.
I’m a sporty person who loves the outdoors, and I’m passionate about working somewhere where what I do can have a positive impact on the community I now proudly call my own.
As part of the Operations Team at Cancer Relief, I work as Business Support Manager, supporting the wider team wherever I can. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of an organisation where I get to see first-hand the amazing work that happens every day and the difference the team makes to so many people.
I feel very fortunate to be able to play my part, support the team, and contribute to a cause that means so much to our community.
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Reception & Admin Assistant

Simonne Perkins

Originally from Scotland, I have a varied background, having served in the Royal Navy and also worked as an Investigator for Hampshire Constabulary. These experiences have helped me develop strong communication, organisational and people skills, which I really enjoy putting to use in my role at Cancer Relief.
What I enjoy most about working at Cancer Relief is being one of the first points of contact for visitors and helping to create a warm, welcoming environment.
Knowing that the support I provide, however small, can make a difference to someone going through a difficult time. I’m proud to be part of such a caring team and to contribute to the important work Cancer Relief does in our community.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my son, husband and our dog. I enjoy playing netball and I’m also a keen crafter and enjoy getting creative whenever I have some spare time!
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Reception & Admin Assistant

Alice Clements

My career has been shaped by a passion for supporting people and serving my community. Following my time in the Royal Navy, I worked as a Dental Receptionist and with a local women’s charity before joining Cancer Relief as a volunteer in 2025. I now work as a Reception/Admin Assistant, mainly front of house, where I enjoy welcoming and assisting everyone who comes through our doors, helping to provide a friendly and supportive experience for patients and visitors. When I’m not at work, you’ll often find me out walking and enjoying the sunshine!

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Aromatheraphist

Geeta Cunningham

Geeta came to Gibraltar from London in July 1999 when she was asked to work for a gaming company. In 2000, Geeta left Gibraltar to work in Antigua for the same company, returning to Gibraltar in 2001.

Wanting a change of career, she trained in London and qualified as a Massage Therapist in 2004. Whilst offering corporate massage and working in a clinic, Geeta wanted to offer her services to charities.

She initially volunteered at Cancer Relief in 2018, offering Giveback treatments to GHA staff in their workplace. In 2020, Geeta joined Cancer Relief as a Complementary Therapist, offering therapies to both patients and carers.

Geeta enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and going to concerts.

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Holistic Massage Therapist

Sally Welch

After qualifying with ITEC level 3 as a Holistic Massage Therapist in 2015 I was introduced to the holistic team at our Cancer Relief centre in 2016. I just knew that this was the place for me to enjoy using my skills, the 'Quiet Area' where we work within our fabulous building is private, peaceful and comfortable. In 2019 I took the opportunity offered by the charity of completing a course in Cancer Care and Aromatherapy which has helped me offer more to the clients whom I have the pleasure of working with. When I'm not at the centre I aim to enjoy my life to the full which generally includes spending time with the people I love, preparing and eating great food and celebrating life!
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Counsellor

Robin Leon Paul Garcia

Robin is one of our Therapeutic Counsellors joining the Centre in 2024.
He completed his MSc Counselling degree in Bangor University (North Wales) and also has a BSc degree in Psychology. Alongside this Robin has completed various other Mental health training courses such as Mental Health First aid, Appropriate Adult trainings, and Bereavement training.

Robin has dedicated over 200 Clinical hours to various Volunteer Counselling and Charity Services.
Robin strives in providing safe and supportive therapeutic sessions with every client, utilising an integrative approach, drawing on a variety of approaches and techniques that would most benefit his clients.

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Dietitian

Rosie Louis

My name is Rosie, and I’m a Registered Dietitian. I have been working with Cancer Relief since 2024, supporting the Pre-habilitation Programme and providing individualized nutritional advice for people living with or recovering from a cancer diagnosis.
I qualified with an MSc in Dietetics from Leeds Beckett University in 2022 and then worked as a hospital dietitian in Nottingham before returning home to Gibraltar.
As a dietitian, I consider it my role to empower people to take control of their nutrition and make decisions to best support their health. I consider myself very lucky to have the opportunity to do this at the Cancer Relief Centre where I can support the community of Gibraltar.
In my spare time, I enjoy running (slowly) and spending time with my friends and family, including my little podenco, Nelson.
Image of Damian Chipolina Holistic Massage Therapist
Holistic Massage Therapist

Damian Chipolina

In 2005, I started my first Massage Course, which qualified me as a Holistic Massage Therapist. This qualification has allowed me to put my training and subsequent experience to good use once a week on Wednesdays at the Cancer Relief Centre, where I initially started working as a volunteer.

A year earlier, I had qualified as a Yoga Instructor, and these two qualifications served as an introduction to what became an increasing interest in the study of holistic therapies, eventually leading me to work within this field.

Over the years, I qualified and worked as a Soft Tissue Therapist and improved my qualifications and experience as a Yoga Instructor, also acquiring a qualification as a Pilates Instructor.

In my free time, I am always seeking out the outdoors and activities that surround me with nature.

Like a typical Gibraltarian, wherever I travel, seeking good food is always a must.

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Counsellor

Kevin Fowler

I have been practicing as a counsellor since 2000. In this time I have worked in many areas:- education establishments (children/ young people), mental health, substance misuse and criminal justice, as well as having my own private practice

As a counselor at a cancer center, I am deeply committed to providing emotional support and guidance to patients and their families during one of the most challenging times in their lives. My role involves offering a safe space for expression, helping individuals navigate their feelings, fears, and uncertainties, while fostering resilience and coping strategies. I strive to empower each person to find strength and hope amidst their journey with cancer.

Outside of work I enjoy being in the countryside, camping and river walks.

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Physiotherapist

Jan Wink

I have worked as a Physiotherapist for many years and have a specialist interest and training in treating patients with cancer and other life-limiting conditions.

I worked with patients at the Cancer Relief Centre in my previous role within the GHA Physio department and then moved to develop the Physiotherapy role specifically in the CRC in 2023, working with the amazing multi-professional team.

I work with patients pre- and post-surgery, as well as during chemotherapy and radiotherapy, both in clinic and at home. The aim is to minimise the effects of treatment on functional movement and help patients maintain their independence in daily activities so they can concentrate on doing what is important to them with as little discomfort as possible.

In my spare time, I love baking cakes (not very healthy, I know 😊), exercising (to work off the cakes), and looking after my lovely dog Rosie.

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Dramatherapist

Nyree Robinson

Hello, my name is Nyree Robinson and I am a qualified Dramatherapist with over 10 years experience, currently practicing at Cancer Relief. I hold a degree in Creative Expressive Therapies and a Masters in Dramatherapy. In 2017 I founded Gibraltar Dramatherapy and have worked in Gibraltar in collaboration with many different entities. I also travel abroad for training in dramatherapy to continue to offer the best of me as a professional to my clients.

I am passionate about using creative approaches to support both children and adults, and have a strong background in working with people with learning disabilities and trauma-informed care. My approach is client-led, warm, and aim for clients to feel safe, seen and supported through their therapeutic journey.

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Reiki Therapist

Mariluz Da Costa

I am a passionate Yoga and Reiki Therapist, dedicated to supporting holistic wellbeing.

Through gentle practices, I help patients and carers find moments of calm, balance, and emotional support during challenging times.

I am honoured to be part of the Cancer Relief team, contributing to the care and comfort of those who need it most.

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Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist

Tania Pontes

Hello, I’m Tania Pontes, a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. Originally from Portugal, I qualified in Clinical Psychology before moving to the UK, where I specialised in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and worked within the NHS. During this time, I supported individuals facing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges, developing a strong passion for compassionate and collaborative therapeutic work.

Four years ago, I relocated to Spain, where I started a family and my private practice. This new chapter has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to continue my work while embracing a different pace of life.

I joined Cancer Relief because I wanted to be part of a team that genuinely makes a difference. The opportunity to support people through some of the most difficult moments in their lives is something I find incredibly meaningful and rewarding.

Outside of work, I love to travel and unwind with salsa and bachata dancing—small joys that help me stay grounded.

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Personal Trainer - Part of Energise Through Exercise Programme

Kyrone Watson

Since 2018, I have been volunteering with Cancer Relief as a personal trainer and as part of the Energise Through Exercise Programme.

I hold qualifications in exercise-based cancer rehabilitation, which enable me to bring specialized care and support to those undergoing this journey. Volunteering with Cancer Relief gives me the opportunity to pursue my work with both purpose and passion.

It allows me to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals in need regain self-belief, enhance their ability to engage in everyday activities, and improve their overall quality of life.

Supporting others in this way is profoundly rewarding, and it drives me to continue empowering those facing challenges with hope and strength.

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Art Therapist

Jacqima Rios

Hello, I’m Jacqima Rios, a qualified Art Therapist dedicated to helping individuals explore their inner worlds and navigate life’s challenges through creative expression. With a background in fine art and a Master’s in Art Therapy, I bring both clinical training and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of art into every session.

My practice is grounded in empathy, respect, and a client-centered approach. I believe that art can speak when words fall short, and I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for people of all ages to express, process, and heal. Whether you’re facing anxiety, trauma, loss, identity struggles, or simply need a space to reconnect with yourself, I’m here to support you with compassion and creativity.