Meet the Team
We couldn't have been more honoured than to have been given the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2019. It is the equivalent of the MBE for Volunteers and while, as a Charity, we are hugely proud we know that the strength, influence and difference that we make is thanks entirely to our volunteers. So here are the team who currently sit in the driver's seat:
Cristiana Aragoni, Chair
I first visited the Royal Marsden Hospital, Chelsea to accompany a very close friend for regular long term therapy; I was inspired by the kindness of staff and volunteers. I started volunteering in the cafe’ in 2018 and moved then to the Friends’ shop where I focused on widening the range of healthier snacks and drinks.
Before Volunteering at the Royal Marsden, Chelsea I have worked in Sales & Marketing for over 15 years in the Language and Cross Cultural Training sector.
I first visited the Royal Marsden Hospital, Chelsea to accompany a very close friend for regular long term therapy; I was inspired by the kindness of staff and volunteers. I started volunteering in the cafe’ in 2018 and moved then to the Friends’ shop where I focused on widening the range of healthier snacks and drinks.
Before Volunteering at the Royal Marsden, Chelsea I have worked in Sales & Marketing for over 15 years in the Language and Cross Cultural Training sector.
Sally Robotham, Vice-Chair
I have been a volunteer for over twenty years and was Vice Chairman of the Friends for five years, for the period of 2010 o 2015. I have worked in the Friends' shop, taken around the shop trolley and assisted with Meet & Greet.
I was a teacher and head teacher for over thirty years.
My key role will be to ensure that the Friends' volunteers are well looked after and they provide excellent service to patients, their friends and family and staff of the hospital.
I have been a volunteer for over twenty years and was Vice Chairman of the Friends for five years, for the period of 2010 o 2015. I have worked in the Friends' shop, taken around the shop trolley and assisted with Meet & Greet.
I was a teacher and head teacher for over thirty years.
My key role will be to ensure that the Friends' volunteers are well looked after and they provide excellent service to patients, their friends and family and staff of the hospital.
Sarah Phipps, Vice Chair
I first visited the Marsden in 2015 and following treatment, decided that I wanted to give back in a way that would enhance the patient experience. I started on Meet & Greet in March 2017 and quickly added the shop, café, outpatients and CCU support to my time spent in the hospital. I joined the committee in 2019 and remain as Head of Meet & Greet. Prior to the pandemic, I had my own Event Management and Fundraising Consultancy for over twenty years.
I first visited the Marsden in 2015 and following treatment, decided that I wanted to give back in a way that would enhance the patient experience. I started on Meet & Greet in March 2017 and quickly added the shop, café, outpatients and CCU support to my time spent in the hospital. I joined the committee in 2019 and remain as Head of Meet & Greet. Prior to the pandemic, I had my own Event Management and Fundraising Consultancy for over twenty years.
Sandra Franklin, President
"In my role as President and a volunteer, I have had the good fortune to meet lots of volunteers who never fail to amaze me by their loyalty, dedication and willingness to give their time to helping others. Cancer touches so many people and I am very proud that our volunteers help to ensure that patients at this incredible hospital have the best possible experience at what can be one of the most stressful times of their lives."
"In my role as President and a volunteer, I have had the good fortune to meet lots of volunteers who never fail to amaze me by their loyalty, dedication and willingness to give their time to helping others. Cancer touches so many people and I am very proud that our volunteers help to ensure that patients at this incredible hospital have the best possible experience at what can be one of the most stressful times of their lives."
