"I know first-hand how isolating cancer can be and how many young people have to face it every year. After years of working with groups and charities, being inspired by the peer support I experienced, I wanted to find a way to use the technology around us to combat that loneliness. This digital network just didn't exist, which seems extraordinary in an age when we're all connected through our phones. Alike creates that opportunity to build friendships and be part of a community that doesn't just support, but understands. It's genuinely groundbreaking."
Brad Gudger, Founder
Founder
Brad Gudger
Brad Gudger is a two-time cancer survivor, former broadcaster and pioneer of the voluntary sector. He has volunteered for various organisations for nearly four years and has worked extensively to advocate on behalf of young people. His experience includes being a Youth Expert Advisor for NHS England & NHS Improvement, working with the NHS LGBT Health team to reduce healthcare inequality, petitioning the government to offer more support to those being treated for cancer and he has spoken in Parliament numerous times about patient experience. He has worked internationally too along side the UK Mission to the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Brad is recipient of The Diana Award, a Young Leader for the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and a One Young World Ambassador.
Chair of Trustees
Dr James Parker
I’m James, Chair of the Board of Trustees. I received my PhD in Structural and Molecular Biology from the University of Edinburgh and, in my day job, I work in the oncology team at the pharmaceutical company Sanofi. I work with Alike as I feel it’s a great and impactful way to make a difference to young people suffering with cancer.
Trustee & Development Consultant
Rachel Priest
I’m Rachel, both a trustee and a Development Consultant for Alike, bringing over ten years of experience in the technology sector. In my day job, I’m a Group Growth Partner at Kin + Carta, a technology and transformation services organisation. I’m inspired by the role that technology can play in supporting those suffering with cancer and other health problems.
Trustee
Leanne Pero
I'm Leanne, the CEO of The Leanne Pero Foundation, which I founded in 2017 to educate, inspire and bring opportunities for Black women to connect with one another and share their stories without fear or shame. I work with Alike so that I can continue to spread awareness and empower people to do the same.
Trustee
Rachel Blackford
I’m Rachel, a trustee with several years experience of working in the charitable sector. My area of expertise is in research and project management. Being on the Board is important to me as I faced a diagnosis of lymphoma in my teens, and I want to use my lived experience to improve the lives of others.
Trustee
Stephanie Radziwillowicz
I'm Stephanie, an Alike Trustee. I have a background in the fashion industry and I'm currently studying a Clinical Psychology MSc at Royal Holloway. I’m involved with Alike because I'm passionate about improving mental health support for young people, particularly through peer support.
Engineering Lead
Max Kramer
I'm Max, a CTO living in Berlin. I’ve spent the past year supporting on product and engineering to bring the Alike app to life. Cancer is a heartfelt topic to me, for Jack and Brad, I wanted to help provide support to anybody and everybody that needs it.
Finance Lead
Naomi Rhodes
I'm Naomi. I work as a Management Accountant for Tesco in their Commercial Finance team and have done for 5 years now. I've been working with Alike as Cancer is a disease close to my heart and I want to be able to help Brad and the team make a difference for those who most need it.
Communications Lead
Katherine Mills
I’m Katherine. I graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London, with a degree in English & Creative Writing in 2016 and was diagnosed with incurable cancer the year after in 2017. I joined team Alike because I am passionate about our mission to connect the unconnected.
Creative Lead
Andrea Ruano
I’m Andrea. I graduated from the University of Salamanca with a degree in Fine Arts in 2014. I have been volunteering in the cancer community since I graduated, in my home country of Spain, and in the UK. I work for Alike because I believe in the positive impact social media can have on mental health, and the importance of a sense of community.
Honorary Patron
Jack Morgan
Jack was a close friend of our founder, Brad, and a leader within our community. He believed in a digital peer support solution to connect young cancer patients, and gave us essential understanding of technology to begin our work. Jack unfortunately passed in August 2019, but we remember him through our important work.
Honorary Patron
Saima Thompson
Saima was an entrepreneur and passionate about BAME community cancer support. She believed in the power of community and the importance of amplifying minority voices. Saima served as an important member of the Alike board until her untimely death in June 2020.
