Board of Trustees
Chair - Nigel Short
Nigel is Matt’s father.
“During Matt’s period of illness, my wife and I experienced firsthand the dedication and professionalism of those responsible for caring for youngsters with illnesses like Matt’s.
I was particularly impressed, and astonished, by the positive attitude displayed by the young people receiving treatment alongside Matt.
So many displayed such courage, determination and cheerfulness whilst undergoing time consuming and distressing treatment that I decided I too should do something to “make a difference” when Matt first shared his vision of establishing a charity.
It also provides me with an opportunity to work with and support my son in the realisation of Matt’s desire to make a significant contribution to fellow Ewing’s sufferers.
After a long career in the financial services sector, I am now a Director for a heating contractor in Kent.”
Matt Short
“As a Ewing’s Sarcoma patient, I’ve experienced firsthand the way this cancer can shatter young people’s dreams, and cause great hardship and suffering for all who know and care for that person.
I’ve been unfortunate enough to require treatment twice for this aggressive and life-threatening illness, and have been disappointed to learn of a lack of funding from the public sector and leading pharmaceutical companies for research.
Whilst it has the potential to take lives, this cancer provides real hope a cure can be found, and therefore research has the potential to make huge strides in the quest to rid our teenagers and children of this cancer.
When I decided to create a charity to fund research, I wanted to make a difference; to young people who suffer from this cancer, their families, and all involved with treating the disease.
With your help, the Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust can help drive research to improve the survival prospects of Ewing’s patients.”
Colin Short
Colin is Matt’s uncle.
“I’ve spent most of my working life as a Civil Servant and my experience as a Counsellor has helped me develop an interest in how people change and grow throughout life.
I hope that the work of the Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust will help create new funding streams that will support much needed research into Ewing’s Sarcoma and so bring fresh hope and the chance of a healthier lfie to those living with this cancer.
I also hope that everyone who either organises, undertakes or supports the fundraising activities of the Ewing’s Sarcoma Trust will find it a life changing and life enhancing experience.”
Joanna Wilson
“Having just begun a career in primary school teaching, the well-being of children and young people is something I hold close to my heart. As Ewing’s Sarcoma is a cancer primarily found in children and young people, this charity is something I also feel strongly about.
Having had close experience of the suffering of a Ewing’s Sarcoma patient, it is clear to me that this charity can be fundamental in providing funding for research as well as guiding patients towards support when they need it most.
It is my aim that through this charity we will be able to enrich and enhance the lives of patients and their families, as well as anyone involved in the charity in any way.”
Chris Humphrey
Chris has become involved with the Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust for a number of reasons. Having had family members who’ve been diagnosed with cancer in the past, he is acutely aware of the suffering patients and their loved ones go through. Also, as a secondary school teacher, Chris sees a number of extraordinary young people develop from children into adults. Being involved with the Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust gives Chris an opportunity to help promote awareness of an illness which is one of the most common teenage cancers in the UK.
Mariselle Harrison
“I am a recent university graduate and it was during my time at law school where I met Matt; one of the most inspirational, enthusiastic and determined people i have ever met. From the moment I heard about the initial idea to set up a charity, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I wanted to become a part of this.
Prior to meeting Matt I knew very little about Ewing’s Sarcoma and unfortunately that is the case for many other people.
My initial lack of knowledge and understanding of Ewing’s only demonstrated to me how crucial it was to get involved and help raise awareness of this terrible disease.
As a cancer that mainly effects children and young people, it was frightening to think about how many young people would not even be aware if they could potentially be at risk from this form of cancer. This charity can hopefully reach out to these people and simultaenously help provide funds for crucial research.
To see how people of a similar age are having to face such demons at such an early stage of their lives inspires me to help make a significant contribution in anyway that I can. With your help we can hopefully help to build a bright future for this charity and for all those who have to face this disease at some stage.”
Clair Isworth
“Having spent several years working as a paediatric oncology nurse on the unit at UCLH where many patients receive their treatment, I have had the opportunity to meet and nurse some truly inspirational people with many forms of rare cancers. Matt is one of those people.
Not many of the young people I’ve nursed have had the drive and determination to get through their very aggressive and life changing treatment to form a charity to help others, but I am pleased to be involved with the Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust.
This charity, to me, is a charity that not only provides sufferers and their families with the hope and determination to work towards a cure, but allows those of us who treat people affected by this life-threatening illness to maintain and instil the drive to beat this disease whilst providing varying levels of support to all those affected.
My hopes and aspirations for the charity are aimed towards a brighter future for all those affected by this terrible condition, and with your help the charity can go a long way towards making those hopes and aspirations a reality.”
Elaine Phillips
“I have known Matt since he was born and he has always approached life, and all it presents to him, with great focus, determination and energy. We felt huge sadness that as a teenager he had to face the harsh treatments required to cure his Ewing’s Sarcoma.
It’s often difficult to know how to help at such a time. My instinct was to focus on Matt’s parents, Lesley and Nigel, and to visit them at UCH every time he had a treatment.
What I hadn’t envisaged was that it would allow me to see into the world of UCH’s adolescent unit and meet many special people.
When I left the hospital I felt the sharp contrast of the busy world outside UCH. Everyone was rushing around oblivious to the world above them where special people are faced with difficult decisions and gruelling treatments.
Matt’s courage and determination to launch the Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust, whilst recovering from his second illness, is inspirational.
I hope that my involvement with the Trust will give me the opportunity to make more people aware of this disease, and the difference supporting this Trust could make to so many people’s lives. ”
Nicky Pyefinch