Professor Laurence Lovat
Patron
Professor Lovat is a consultant gastroenterologist specialising in gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s oesophagus and upper gastrointestinal cancer. He was the lead clinician for Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer at UCLH from 2001-8. He was appointed as a Consultant Gastroenterologist at UCH and Senior Lecturer in Laser Medicine at the National Medical Laser Centre, UCL in 1999. He previously chaired the North London Cancer Network Upper Gastrointestinal Tumour Board. He is active in clinical translational research to prevent oesophageal cancer, with particular interests in photodynamic therapy and novel optical biopsy techniques. He is the chief investigator for the UK National HALO Patient Registry.
As our Medical Patron Professor Lovat has supported us in many ways including independent media advice and peer review for our clinical trustees. He is also helpful to test ideas with and endorse our thinking if appropriate.
Professor Tim Underwood
Patron & Honorary Life Governor
Following his 12-year tenure as a Heartburn Cancer UK Trustee, we are thrilled that Professor Tim Underwood has accepted our invitation to become an Honorary Life Governor. Tim will continue to collaborate closely with the HCUK team to pursue progress and improved outcomes for oesophageal cancer patients.
As a surgeon scientist with a special focus on oesophageal cancer, Tim performs surgery for cancer of the oesophagus and stomach weekly, alongside a team of specialists. His hands-on approach in the operating room is complemented by his leadership in the research community. Additionally, he leads a network of researchers and clinicians in Southampton (SC3) who share this mission and is proud to represent both them and their patients.
Chrissy Gorham
Ambassador
Chrissy’s husband John was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in late 2015 and sadly lost his battle in May 2018.
John stopped working full time in June 2015 after 44 years. His job meant he was desk bound and to counterbalance this sedentary lifestyle he had taken up running 35 years before. When he met Chrissy, ten years ago, he increased his mileage and ran 50 marathons between 2009 and 2016, virtually all of them with Chrissy running alongside him.
Since his death, Chrissy has continued to run marathons and amazingly completed her 500th in October 2024. Chrissy has gone on to complete 5 separate 10 marathons in 10 days challenges and two non-stop100 mile events along with many ultra running events.
When Chrissy is not running, she is teaching yoga or volunteering her time to Macmillan and “Yes to Life” – another cancer charity. Chrissy is incredibly supportive to HCUK and is always willing to help us in any way she can whether it’s being interviewed for radio, sharing her story or raising funds.
