Meet Our WellbeingTeam

Founder and Programme Manager - Natasha Dawson

Tasha founded the Ella Dawson Foundation alongside her family after her sister Ella passed away aged 24 from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukeamia. The Ella Dawson Foundation is built on lived experience, it is now Tasha's purpose and passion to help make a difference to other young people like Ella, siblings like herself and families through the Ella Dawson Foundation.

Tasha's background is in mental and physical wellbeing programmes, and Tasha has extensive experience of coaching young people in sports and physical activity.  After supporting her sister through cancer, Tasha has added to her qualifications by becoming a Level 4 Cancer and Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor and a Health & Wellbeing Coach for people with long term health conditions. Tasha is also qualified in Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation alongside being a Mental Health First Aider. 

Alongside her work, Tasha sits on the NHS West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance Board as a Patient and Public Representative (Lay Member) ensuring patient experiences are at the heart of strategic decisions.

Tasha is also interested in research about physical activity and young people with cancer, she says "I completed my research project on physical activity and multi-modal interventions in young adults with cancer which gave me invaluable knowledge that I have now applied to developing our services. I am very grateful to have been mentored by leading academics in the field and receive and award for my project."

Clinical Psychologist - Dr Nicky Bould

Nicky has worked with young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer, for the last 15 years. Alongside her private practice, she is a Senior Clinical Psychologist in the NHS and is the Lead Clinical Psychologist in the Young Adult Cancer Service. She completed her Doctorate at the University of Leeds and her doctoral research examined the impact having cancer can have on the developmental period of ‘emerging adulthood’. She has also co-chaired the UK Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) Psycho-Oncology Network. 

Nicky is hugely passionate about providing the best possible psychological care to young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer. She in trained in and uses a number of different therapeutic approaches in her work, including Compassionate Mind Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness and also Eye Movement and Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR). 

Oncology Dietitian - Hazel Watson

Hi, I’m Hazel! 

I’m a specialist oncology dietitian with over 10 years of experience working in the NHS and I’m passionate about supporting people through every stage of their cancer journey. With 8 years of focused experience in cancer care, I specialise in helping individuals manage the eating challenges caused by cancer and its treatments.

I’ve undergone extensive training to guide people in making meaningful changes to their nutrition and lifestyle, helping you reach your health goals and feel your best. Whether you're in treatment or recovery, my goal is to support both your physical and mental wellbeing through personalised nutrition.

As a member of the Health Care Professions Council and the British Dietetic Association, I stay up to date with the latest research and evidence-based practices to offer you the best care possible.

When I’m not talking about food, you’ll probably find me at the gym or walking my dog – staying active helps me unwind!

I’m thrilled to be part of the Ella Dawson Foundation team and I’m excited to continue helping people eat well and feel supported through their cancer diagnosis.

Clinical Psychologist - Dr Rachel Attfield

Rachel has worked as a qualified clinical psychologist in the NHS for 15 years. Throughout this time, she has specialised in working with people with a range of health conditions (including cancer, cystic fibrosis and blood disorders). Rachel has a lot of experience in working with young adults and has worked with people around issues such as managing difficult treatments, living with uncertainty, preparing for end of life, low mood and anxiety. 

Rachel draws on a range of different therapeutic approaches and has had post-qualification training in Motivational Interviewing, Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and EMDR.

Clinical Psychologist – Dr Gita Robson

Since qualifying Gita has worked exclusively with people struggling with physical health problems which include long term conditions and cancer. She draws on a range of psychological therapy models which include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) and psychodynamic therapy to support people to adjust and live well with their conditions. 

Gita works in the NHS for Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust across both psycho-oncology and gastroenterology psychology services and has experience of working with young adults across both services. Alongside her NHS work, Gita works in Private Practise where her focus is on providing psychological therapy to people with long term health conditions, including functional and medically unexplained symptoms. She has a strong interest in the gut-brain axis and how emotions are expressed in the body.

Counselling - Julie Armitage, MBACP Accredited Counsellor

Julie has over 12 years’ experience in MBACP accredited counselling, Master NLP.

Julie works online or in person, whether that’s from the comfort of your own home, on a walk, over coffee or in a safe space in Julie's practice in the beautiful village of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire.

We can do this by working together in a safe, confidential environment where you will have the opportunity to explore thoughts and feelings that you may be struggling to understand or to cope with.

The therapeutic experience I offer to my clients enables them to move from a position of pain and confusion to one of acceptance and self awareness. I am both determined and committed to helping people and it never ceases to amaze me how courageous and brave people are in working through their problems.

Julie says “Sometimes we reach a point where we simply need someone to talk to. Someone who will listen and accept us for who we are. Someone outside our circle of friends. Someone without judgement or disapproval”.

Julie has worked with the Ella Dawson Foundation since its launch supporting families through a young person's cancer diagnosis and bereavement.

Clinical Psychology - Peter Blackburn, Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Peter works as a consultant clinical psychologist in the NHS and private sector. He specialises in helping people get the best out of their lives alongside helping them cope effectively with the stress, distress and suffering that comes with life. He has considerable experience of supporting and guiding people struggling with physical health problems especially cancer, chronic pain and chronic fatigue. He also has extensive experience of working with low mood, anxiety, anger, guilt, shame and relationship issues.

Following assessment and formulation of a person's problems, Peter uses evidence based treatments which include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive analytical therapy (CAT, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), compassion focused therapy (CFT), mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and integrative approaches.

Peter has been working with the Ella Dawson Foundation since 2024, where his work is focused on working with young people following a cancer diagnosis and their families.

Exercise - Kelly Dodds, Cancer and Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor 

Kelly is a Cancer & Cardiac Rehabilitation specialist, with 16 years overall experience in the Health & Fitness industry. She has a passion for wanting to help make a difference to people’s lives. Kelly is a huge advocate of physical activity and the benefits it can provide at all stages of a diagnosis, and even a small amount can have a positive impact.

She has worked in the Cancer field for 6 years and worked with various communities providing classes & 1-1 sessions with funding provided by Sport England. The Move More Feel Better Programme implemented by Surrey Heath Council being one example.

During Covid she was privileged to work on the SafeFit Trial, which was setup for anyone with cancer, providing physical, nutritional & emotional support online. 

Kelly also works with people with Parkinson’s and provides classes for Parkinsons UK. In 2022 she also completed an Advanced Level 5 Nutrition & Disease qualification.

She completed the BACPR Cardiac Rehabilitation qualification to help bolster her knowledge in this area, especially with cardiac side effects from treatments, and reducing the risk of CVD post cancer.

Yoga – Katy Szarko, BWYT Qualified Yoga instructor 

Katy has over 20 years experience in yoga having trained and qualified with the British Wheel of Yoga Teachers.  Over the past 20 years Katy has shared and delivered her practice with thousands of people, through her own groups, private classes, Women Centres, prisons, and schools. 

Katy is highly experienced in supporting people through life-altering experiences, supporting and empowering them throughout treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and being with them as they navigate their way through the next phase of their lives. Katy is also qualified in palliative care and support through mindful movement, meditation and bereavement support. 

Katy is a passionate believer in the 'I can' philosophy focusing on what CAN be achieved in your body, thoughts, breath at this very moment by anyone, anywhere and at anytime.

Exercise – Vicky Pudney, Cancer and Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor

Vicky is a Cancer Rehabilitation and Clinical Exercise Specialist with 15 years’ experience in the fitness industry. She supports people of all ages with a cancer diagnosis and those managing long-term health conditions to access and experience the physical and mental health benefits of exercise and physical activity.

 
Her key goal is to make physical activity approachable, enjoyable, and sustainable for everyone, no matter their starting point, stage of treatment/condition. Her approach prioritises safe, effective exercise that supports overall well-being, helping clients move in a way that feels good, fits their lifestyle, and keeps them motivated for the long run.
 
Vicky runs 1-1 and group exercise sessions alongside being a Physical Activity Referral Specialist for Move Together Buckinghamshire which is a pathway funded by Bucks Public Health to get more people with long-term health conditions physically active. She also worked on the national SafeFit trial during Covid which was set up to provide online exercise, nutrition and emotional well being support to people with a cancer diagnosis.