Buddy Up is an award-winning charity designed to offer mentoring to young people identified by schools as needing one-to-one support from an experienced youth worker and mentor.

It was set up in August 2020, after a need was identified in the community. Following the return to school after the pandemic, many schools reported:

• Increased anxiety
• Reduced confidence
• Struggles with attendance

While schools recognised the need for additional support, they lacked the time and funding to provide it.

Buddy Up has been delivering mentoring in schools across Epsom and Ewell for five years. To date, we have delivered over 1,500 mentoring sessions and still have a significant waiting list.

Our goal is to support young people early, believing that early intervention makes the biggest impact.

Who do we work with?

The young people we support may be dealing with:

• Anger
• Addiction
• Self-harm and suicidal ideation
• At risk of grooming
• At risk of county lines involvement
• Victims of domestic violence
• ADHD
• ASD
• ODD
• Bullying
• Low self-esteem
• Victims of abuse
• Trauma
• Disordered eating
• Suicidal inpatients
• Poor attendance
• At risk of exclusion
• Anxiety

Funding

Buddy Up is largely funded by donations and grants, allowing us to offer our services free to those in need.

However, in recent months, our funding has decreased dramatically. Like many charities, we are feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

We are now in urgent need of funding to keep the charity running and continue supporting young people in Epsom and Ewell.

If you’re able to donate, we would be incredibly grateful. Please use the link below:

👉 https://www.justgiving.com/buddyupcharity

Contact Us

If you would like more information or to discuss anything further, please get in touch:

📞 07551 444 246
📧 info@buddyupcharity.org
🌐 https://buddyupcharity.org

Registered charity number: 1190942

People living with Long Covid often feel dismissed, disbelieved and unsupported by their healthcare providers, according to a new study from the University of Surrey.

The study, which was published in the Journal of Health Psychology, looked at how patients with Long Covid experience their illness. The study found that many patients feel they have to prove their illness is physical to be taken seriously and, as a result, often reject psychological support, fearing it implies their symptoms are “all in the mind”.

Professor Jane Ogden, co-author of the study from the University of Surrey, said: 

“We found that the problem isn’t people with Long Covid refusing help – it’s about the deep need for people to be believed. When a patient feels dismissed, offering psychological support instead of medical care can be misconstrued as insulting.”

According to the Office for National Statistics, there are 1.9 million people who live with Long Covid in the UK. Long Covid symptoms include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle aches and shortness of breath, which persist for many weeks, sometimes months, after the initial Covid-19 infection. 

Surrey’s study involved in-depth interviews with 14 people in the UK between the ages of 27 to 63 who had experienced Long Covid symptoms for more than four weeks. The group included 12 women and 2 men.  

Saara Petker, clinical psychologist, co-author of the study and former PhD student at the University of Surrey, said: 

“We found that our participants are living a life of constant uncertainty, struggling to find treatment. People told us that they didn’t feel listened to, some said they’d lost trust in doctors, their social circles and even their own bodies because of the whole experience. 

“Medical advice is crucial – but psychological support must be offered with care. If it’s seen as replacing medical help, it can feel dismissive.” 

Image: License details Creator: Jose Luis Navarro. Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0

Toyota has raised more than £500,000 to support people living with and affected by motor neurone disease (MND). It has also extended its partnership with MND Association for a further two years, into 2027.

Toyota joined forces with MND Association in 2021. The charity was chosen by the company’s staff in memory of a much-loved colleague, Rachel Rollason, who suffered from MND, a terminal neurological condition that affects up to 5,000 people in the UK at any one time.

Since then, colleagues from Toyota (GB), Toyota Financial Services, Toyota Insurance Services and KINTO UK, have pushed themselves to the limits in a variety of fund-raising activities including taking part in marathons, a cycling challenge from Portsmouth to Newcastle, a Tough Mudder and a 100km walk along the River Thames which raised more than £120,000 in just two days.

Tanya Curry, MND Association’s Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted that Toyota has chosen to extend its partnership with us. We are so grateful for everything they have done to support our work over the past four years, whether that’s by volunteering, training to take part in an event, or fundraising. Thanks to Toyota, we have been able to provide support grants for life-changing wheelchair adaptions, while pushing forward with ground-breaking research into potential new treatments for this terrible disease. Over the next two years, the strong partnership between our organisations will continue to grow and allow us to accelerate progress in the fight against MND.”

Scott Thompson, Toyota (GB) President and Managing Director, said: “I’d like to thank our staff for their efforts in helping us reach our fundraising target of £500,000.  We already have plans for further fundraising, for example next month four senior team members: Jason Milton, Rob McKendrick, Carla Henson and Dariusz Mikolajczak, will take part in the London Marathon.”

For more information, or to donate, visit https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/toyota-london-marathon

For more information about MND Association please visit www.mndassociation.org

Toyota GB

Image: From L to R: Charlotte Taylor, Senior Corporate Partnerships Executive, MND Association, Pete Collins, Senior Corporate Partnerships Development Executive, MND Association, Kish Laungani, Specialist Sustainability Programmes, Toyota GB, Isla Thomson, Assistant, CSR, Sustainability and ESG, Toyota GB and Rosemary Parkin, Assistant Press and PR, Toyota GB

Many people have heard of metabolic syndrome as a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes — but it’s now becoming clear that it also takes a serious toll on our bones, joints, and muscles.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, including obesity, high blood pressure, raised blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL). Affecting nearly one in three adults in the UK, it’s driven largely by sedentary lifestyles and poor diet.

But beyond its impact on the heart, metabolic syndrome causes long-term inflammation in the body, which in turn affects musculoskeletal health in several key ways:

• Joint Pain & Arthritis: Chronic inflammation from visceral fat can damage cartilage and accelerate the development of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees and hips.
• Tendon Problems: Conditions like Achilles tendinopathy and shoulder pain are more common in people with metabolic syndrome. High blood sugar can stiffen tendons, making them prone to injury.
• Bone Health: There’s a strong link between metabolic syndrome and reduced bone density. Inflammation and insulin resistance disrupt normal bone repair, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

The condition also interferes with the body’s ability to heal and maintain tissues, meaning injuries can linger and become chronic.

The good news? Physiotherapy and regular exercise play a crucial role in managing the effects of metabolic syndrome on the musculoskeletal system. By improving mobility, reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy weight loss, targeted movement and rehab strategies can make a real difference.

So if you’re living with joint or tendon pain and also have risk factors for metabolic syndrome, it might be time to take a more holistic view — and seek advice from a physiotherapist or your GP.

The Role of Physiotherapy and Exercise

Despite its challenges, metabolic syndrome’s effects on musculoskeletal health can be mitigated through physiotherapy and exercise.

1. Exercise as an Anti-Inflammatory Intervention

Regular exercise reduces chronic inflammation by promoting anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 while lowering pro-inflammatory markers. A study in Diabetes Care (2014) showed that aerobic exercise significantly reduced CRP and TNF-α levels in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Weight loss through exercise reduces visceral fat, a major source of pro-inflammatory cytokines, easing joint pain and improving musculoskeletal function.

2. Physiotherapy for Joint Pain and Tendinopathies

Physiotherapy plays a key role in managing musculoskeletal conditions related to metabolic syndrome. Personalized exercise programs focusing on strength, flexibility, and joint stability help manage OA and prevent further joint damage.

For tendinopathies, physiotherapists recommend strengthening exercises, which promote tendon healing and reduce pain. A British Journal of Sports Medicine (2017) study found that eccentric exercises significantly improved function and reduced pain in Achilles tendinitis, even in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Additionally, physiotherapists provide guidance on body mechanics and joint protection strategies, reducing strain on joints and tendons during daily activities.

3. Bone Health and Resistance Training

Resistance training is essential for bone health in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Weight-bearing exercises, such as strength training and resistance bands, stimulate bone formation and help maintain density. A Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (2018) study found that resistance training improved BMD in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome, reducing osteoporosis and fracture risk.

Balance and coordination exercises can also be incorporated to prevent falls, particularly for individuals with weakened bones.

Conclusion: Addressing Metabolic Syndrome for Better Musculoskeletal Health

Metabolic syndrome significantly increases the risk of osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, and osteoporosis due to chronic inflammation and tissue dysregulation. However, these negative effects can be mitigated through physiotherapy and regular exercise.

By reducing inflammation, improving metabolic health, and promoting tissue repair, exercise and physiotherapy enhance musculoskeletal function and overall well-being. Individuals with metabolic syndrome can benefit from tailored exercise programs and physiotherapy interventions to manage joint pain, prevent injuries, and maintain strong bones and healthy tissues.

Luke Schembri, Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner

http://www.genuinephysio.com/

Image by Tung Lam from Pixabay

A local Epsom resident, Nicholas Mark Dulake, is set to complete an extraordinary challenge this Sunday, 23rd February 2025, as he concludes a 56-mile walk in aid of the mental health charity, Mind. Nicholas embarked on this challenge in January, aiming to raise funds and awareness about mental health issues and the stigma that surrounds them.

His journey is deeply personal. On 20th February 2024, Nicholas attempted to take his own life. His survival led to five weeks in a coma, multiple hospital transfers, and several life-saving operations, during which he was resuscitated four times. As a result of his ordeal, he now lives with a tracheostomy, which presents daily challenges with his breathing. However, rather than allowing his experience to define him negatively, he has chosen to channel his energy into raising awareness and supporting others struggling with their mental health.

To date, Nicholas has raised an incredible £3,705 in sponsorship for Mind. To mark the completion of his challenge, he has arranged a final walk around Epsom Downs and is inviting the local community to join him in showing solidarity for mental health awareness.

“I’ve had an overwhelming response from people who have read my story and reached out to tell me how much it has helped them,” Nicholas shared. Through his personal blog, Start Again Monday (www.startagainmonday.co.uk), he continues to share his journey and offer support to others facing similar struggles.

His mission is clear: to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure that those who are suffering know they are not alone.

Local residents are encouraged to take part in the walk on Sunday to show their support for this important cause. For those who wish to donate, details can be found on Nicholas’s blog.

Nicholas is also keen to share his experiences in greater detail following the completion of his challenge. If you would like to learn more, follow his blog or reach out to him directly.

For those struggling with mental health issues, charities like Mind provide crucial support and resources. Nicholas’s story serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that support is always available.

A commonly prescribed blood pressure medication could offer a safer alternative for treating ADHD symptoms, according to a new study involving the University of Surrey. The findings suggest that amlodipine, a well-established drug for managing hypertension, may help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, key characteristics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

From Fish to Humans: Genetic Links in ADHD Research

The study, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, tested five potential drugs in rats genetically bred to exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. Of these, only amlodipine significantly reduced hyperactivity. To validate the findings, researchers turned to zebrafish (Danio rerio), an important model organism in neurological studies, which shares approximately 70% of its genes with humans. The zebrafish trials confirmed that amlodipine reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity, and for the first time, researchers confirmed that the drug crosses the blood-brain barrier, directly influencing brain function.

Further analysis of human genetic data reinforced the findings, showing that ADHD is linked to calcium channels in the brain—the same targets of amlodipine. A review of UK-wide patient records further strengthened the case, revealing that individuals taking amlodipine reported fewer mood swings and a lower tendency for risk-taking behaviour.

Dr Matthew Parker, co-author of the study from the University of Surrey, noted:
“Repurposing amlodipine, a well-established blood pressure medication, offers a promising and swift pathway to address ADHD symptoms. Our research indicates that, due to its existing approval and safety profile, amlodipine could be rapidly redeployed as a treatment option for ADHD, potentially providing relief to patients sooner than developing new medications.”

Why Zebrafish? The Genetic Overlap with Humans

Zebrafish have become an invaluable model in medical research due to their high genetic similarity with humans. In fact, they share a greater proportion of their genes with humans than many might expect. Some examples include:

• Chimpanzees (~98-99%) – our closest genetic relatives.
• Mice (~85%) – widely used in biomedical research.
• Dogs (~84%) – studied for genetic diseases and neurological conditions.
• Zebrafish (~70%) – a crucial model for studying brain function and drug effects.
• Fruit flies (~60%) – key for understanding genetics and neurobiology.

Because of this genetic overlap, zebrafish are often used in drug discovery, particularly for neurological disorders. Their transparent embryos and rapid development allow scientists to study the effects of medications in real-time.

A Safer Alternative to Existing ADHD Medications?

Current ADHD treatments, such as stimulant medications, are effective but often come with significant side effects, including appetite loss, high blood pressure, headaches, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, stimulant medications carry a risk of misuse. Amlodipine, already widely prescribed and well-tolerated, could offer a new alternative with a safer profile.

With approximately 25% of ADHD patients not responding well to existing treatments, the need for new options is urgent. If further clinical trials confirm these findings, amlodipine could be repurposed as an ADHD treatment much faster than developing a brand-new drug, providing relief for patients sooner.

The study highlights the importance of genetic research in understanding brain disorders and demonstrates how unlikely connections—such as a heart medication treating a neurodevelopmental condition—can lead to breakthroughs in medical science.

The long-awaited specialist emergency care hospital for southwest London and Surrey has faced yet another setback following the Government’s announcement about delays to the national New Hospital Programme. Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust has voiced strong concerns over the consequences of these delays, which they warn could have dire implications for patient care and infrastructure safety.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting outlined the revised timeline, stating that the New Hospital Programme, initially set for completion by 2030, will now proceed in four phases. Notably, nine schemes under the programme will not commence construction until between 2035 and 2039. Streeting emphasized the need for a “firm footing with sustainable funding” to ensure all projects are delivered.

A Legacy of Promises and Delays

The proposed hospital in Sutton, intended to centralize critical emergency services for Epsom, St Helier, and the surrounding areas, was approved in 2020 as part of the Government’s pledge to deliver 40 new hospitals by 2030. Initially, the Sutton facility was set to open by 2025. However, delays have since pushed this date to 2027 “at the earliest,” with recent announcements suggesting construction may not begin until much later in the decade.

This latest postponement has sparked frustration within the Trust. Dr James Marsh, Group Deputy Chief Executive of the St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, did not hold back in his criticism:

“After decades of false promises, the people of southwest London and Surrey have been let down once again. Every year we delay adds up to £150m to the cost of a new hospital and keeping the current buildings safe to provide care.”

Critical State of Current Facilities

The Trust has long highlighted the challenges posed by the aging infrastructure at Epsom and St Helier hospitals. Dr Marsh provided a stark assessment of the situation:

“We have already had to condemn and demolish one of our wards. It’s only a matter of time before other parts of our hospital become unsafe for treating patients. We now need to plan and prepare for the catastrophic failure of our buildings, which could mean moving patient care into temporary buildings.”

Dr Marsh extended an invitation to Health Secretary Wes Streeting to visit the hospitals and witness the deteriorating state of the facilities firsthand:

“If the health secretary thinks we can continue to care for patients for 10 years in this building, we invite Wes Streeting to come and see the state of the estate himself.”

Financial Burden of Delays

The financial impact of the delays has been severe. According to the Trust, inflation and the cost of maintaining outdated buildings have driven up expenses by £150 million annually. These costs are expected to rise further as the timeline for the new hospital stretches into the 2030s.

The Trust’s frustration echoes broader concerns from healthcare leaders across the country. NHS Providers interim Chief Executive Saffron Cordery described the delays as “a bitter pill to swallow,” while Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, warned that prolonged delays would result in higher costs and increased pressure on services.

The Plan for the New Hospital

Despite these setbacks, the Trust remains committed to its “Building Your Future Hospitals” programme. The plan aims to consolidate six major acute services—including A&E, maternity, and paediatrics—into the new Sutton facility, while upgrading Epsom and St Helier hospitals to provide enhanced outpatient, diagnostic, and rehabilitation services. Both existing hospitals will retain 24/7 urgent treatment centres to support local needs.

Call for Action

The delays to the New Hospital Programme have fuelled local frustration, with many questioning the Government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises. As Dr Marsh emphasized, the cost of inaction is not just financial but could also jeopardize the safety and quality of care for thousands of patients.

For further details on the Trust’s plans and timelines, visit Building Your Future Hospitals. Images of the facilities, illustrating their current state, are available alongside video footage upon request.

Related reports:

Prime Minister and Health Secretary Visit Epsom Hospital to Unveil NHS Recovery Blueprint

Has Epsom’s new MP missed the bus to a new hospital?

Epsom and St Helier Hospitals in Desperate Need of Repairs

Public meeting about Epsom Hospital future

Epsom Hospital upgrade at risk?

Image: St Helier Hospital

Surrey County Council has been awarded 5 years of funding by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to create a Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC). The £5m funding will help the local authority to build capacity to do research on prevention and create a culture of using evidence in making decisions.

NIHR HDRC Surrey’s vision is to improve health of our residents and reduce health inequalities which are driven by the social determinants of health. To achieve this, the HDRC Surrey will use the funding to enhance local research capacity, drive research on prevention and public health where evidence isn’t yet available. It will also embed a culture of evidence-informed decision-making which is based on local knowledge underpinned by community involvement and issues that matter most to our residents.

HDRC Surrey is a partnership between the council, the University of Surrey, and voluntary and community partners. Together, over the next five years, we will focus on:

• Improving our research governance and infrastructure
• Building research capacity and providing training support
• Supporting knowledge mobilisation
• Conducting robust research that reflects the needs and experiences of local communities
• Embedding meaningful public involvement at the heart of Surrey HDRC’s work

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, said: “This ambitious project will facilitate a rigorous focus on health inequalities in Surrey. The substantial funding will ensure sustainability in our approach. We already work closely with the University of Surrey and this research programme will build on our existing relationship to provide people locally with better opportunities and outcomes.”

Councillor Mark Nuti, Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing, and Public Health, said: “Improving the wellbeing of residents across Surrey is something that we all strive to achieve. Prevention is the key to a better and healthier place to live and to achieve this we need to know where and how best to invest money and resources. This new funding will enable a fantastic partnership between the council, the University of Surrey and voluntary and community sector to strengthen our research infrastructure. The new research infrastructure will be invaluable in guiding and informing decision-making that will have a real, positive impact on our residents’ lives leaving no one left behind.”

Professor Lisa Collins Pro Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation at University of Surrey, said: “The University of Surrey is thrilled to partner with the local authority and involve the community on this vital health research collaboration. The funding will empower us to conduct impactful research that addresses the unique health challenges faced by residents.”

Ruth Hutchinson, Surrey County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “The NIHR grant is exciting as it will enable us to work more collaboratively with the University of Surrey, Districts and Boroughs and local communities to directly meet people’s health needs in Surrey, leading to better outcomes.”

Why Surrey?

Although Surrey is seen to be one of the most affluent parts of the UK, there are areas with high levels of deprivation associated with poor health. In 2020, someone living in the most deprived area of Surrey is likely to live 10 years less than someone living in the most affluent part of the county. To address this, we need to better understand how factors like the built environment, housing and the economy affect people’s health in Surrey. Our Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) will help us to do this.

HDRC Surrey will improve how, as a local authority, we use research to get a better understanding of what works and for whom to reduce health inequalities.

Image courtesy: RDNE Stock project

A multisite clinical trial has launched in the United States to investigate whether non-pharmaceutical methods can be used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children ages 7-12. This trial is currently recruiting new patients and seeking FDA clearance.  

The trial uses a wearable device – Novostim 2 – developed by Innosphere Engineering Ltd. The company anticipates FDA clearance by Q3 of 2025 and has already received approval for sales in Israel.  

The novel treatment builds upon years of research into non-invasive brain stimulation techniques led by the University of Surrey’s Professor Roi Cohen Kadosh. The research team carried out multiple studies in which children with ADHD were treated with transcranial Random Noise Stimulation (tRNS) coupled with cognitive training (CT).  

tRNS is a non-invasive technique that delivers a weak and painless electrical signal to the brain to enhance activity in regions associated with attention. In the studies, children who received tRNS and CT experienced significant improvements in their ADHD symptoms, working memory, and processing speed, along with changes in their brain activity, which could be linked to the improvement of their symptoms in the long-term. 

Two clinical trials have been completed using Novostim 2 at Hadassah Medical Center in children aged 7-12, which showed significant improvement in ADHD symptoms, including a 43% reduction in ADHD symptom severity and overall symptom alleviation. 

The trial, over a two-week period, involves 20-minute treatment sessions in which Novostim 2 is used to deliver tRNS over specific regions in the brain associated with ADHD and during which participants engage in attention-based digital games.  

For more information on the latest trial, visit ADHDtrial.com  

Professor Roi Cohen Kadosh, Head of the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey, said: 

“We were thrilled by the success of the previous clinical trials, which brought us one step closer to providing a safe and effective non-pharmaceutical option for children with ADHD. The device’s ability to modulate brain activity and enhance cognitive functions may hold the key to long-lasting benefits, potentially reshaping the landscape of ADHD treatment.  By harnessing the power of psychology, neuroscience, and technology, we can empower young patients to improve their focus, attention and overall wellbeing. The need continues to grow, and I hope to see this technology become available to many children and their families soon.” 

Rami Shacour, co-Founder and CEO of Innosphere, adds:  

“For decades, stimulant medications have been the cornerstone of ADHD treatment. At Innosphere, we’re parents first, driven by a mission to give families more personalized, effective options for their children. With Novostim 2, we’re redefining what’s possible in ADHD care. We’re thrilled to announce sales approval in Israel and eagerly anticipate FDA clearance this year. This is just the beginning, as we explore Novostim 2’s potential to complement existing therapies and transform lives.”

Image: Professor Roi Cohen Kadosh

South West London Pathology (SWLP) has launched one of the most advanced diagnostic facilities in the UK, with new cutting-edge laboratories set to transform healthcare delivery for patients across its network, including Epsom Hospital. The upgraded laboratory at Croydon Hospital marks the first phase of a significant technological overhaul aimed at improving diagnostic speed and accuracy.

Serving over 3.5 million people through five hospital sites, including Epsom Hospital, and 450 GP practices, SWLP is integral to the region’s healthcare infrastructure. When fully operational, the SWLP network of laboratories will process over 30,000 tests daily, ensuring faster turnaround times and better outcomes for patients in Epsom and the surrounding areas.

The state-of-the-art facility will streamline clinical blood science services, including clinical chemistry, haematology, coagulation, and serology, using cutting-edge pre-analytical automation technology developed in partnership with Beckman Coulter, a global leader in diagnostics.

Simon Brewer, Managing Director of SWLP, said:
“The introduction of Beckman Coulter’s advanced analysers at Croydon Hospital marks a transformative step for our diagnostic services. With these technologies soon to be implemented across the entire network, including Epsom Hospital, we are setting new standards in diagnostic efficiency and patient care.”

Rob Young, UK General Manager at Beckman Coulter, added:
“By equipping SWLP laboratories with the latest diagnostic technologies, we’re enabling healthcare teams to deliver faster, higher-quality results. This advancement will significantly enhance the care provided to patients across the SWLP network, including those relying on Epsom Hospital for vital healthcare services.”

The upgraded laboratories will unify diagnostic services across all SWLP sites, enhancing efficiency and ensuring a consistent standard of care. For patients at Epsom Hospital, this means improved access to accurate and timely test results, contributing to better overall health outcomes in the local community.

About South West London Pathology (SWLP)

South West London Pathology (SWLP) is an NHS pathology partnership providing integrated diagnostic services to hospitals, GPs, and healthcare organizations across South West London and beyond. Serving over 3.5 million people, including those at Epsom Hospital, SWLP delivers a comprehensive range of tests using state-of-the-art technology to improve patient care.

Image: Rob Young, UK General Manager for Beckman Coulter Diagnostics; 

Matthew Kershaw, Chief Executive of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust; 

Simon Brewer, SWLP Managing Director