My name is Lesley Goodburn and professionally I work for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). I work as head of public involvement and engagement and I absolutely love that role. I’ve worked for the last 18 years in local, regional and national roles across the UK to improve care and services based on the experiences of patients, carers and staff members.

In November 2024, I went to the GP having noticed a ridge in my right breast. This had been highlighted to me when my dog, an overzealous Staffordshire Bull terrier called Gertie, following a run around the lounge had bashed into my chest. She may well have saved my life.

I was diagnosed with Lobular Breast Cancer in early December 2024 and had neoadjuvant chemotherapy from Jan to July. I had surgery in August 2025 and I am currently finishing the last few days of radiotherapy.

At the moment I am cancer free and hoping that the ongoing treatment monitoring and interventions will keep things that way. However, knowing the particular challenges of Lobular Breast Cancer I am keenly aware of the challenges of identification, surveillance and the need for research specifically into this distinct disease.

I will bring my professional experience, expertise, and knowledge to the trustee role and I bring my lived experience of Lobular Breast Cancer. I also bring 11 years of awareness raising, campaigning, fundraising and research knowledge from supporting Pancreatic Cancer UK. I  supported the charity following the death of my husband Seth, who died from Pancreatic Cancer just 33 short heartbreaking days after his diagnosis in 2014.