Fiona Labrooy
Chief Operating Officer
I started working for Heartburn Cancer UK in August 2019. I manage all our activities with my fantastic team Jess, Fi and our supportive team of Trustees. I’m involved in everything we do from fundraising initiatives to social media and from PR to Awareness Campaigns and Support Groups.
Every day is different and I love the variety and challenge of trying to make a difference. I am passionate about working with people, excellent service, good communication and getting the best ‘bang for your buck’, all important likes to have in this role!
Like many others, prior to my mum being diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus I had never heard of the condition and I had no idea about the link between persistent heartburn and oesophageal cancer. Even though we are a small, part-time team, we have ambitions to change this! Ultimately we want to help save lives from earlier diagnosis by ensuring people understand and act on the early symptoms.
Previous jobs for me have included working for the Automobile Association, British Gas and Centrica. I have managed teams, operations, key accounts, suppliers, change, service improvement, have set up a virtual training academy, managed the development of training material and been involved in social media marketing. My most important role is the part I play in my lovely family and trying to be a good and supportive Mum to my gorgeous girlies.
In my spare time I enjoy time spent with friends and family, cooking, exploring the globe and gardening in the form of pots and baskets. I try and balance the socialising with my hobbies which include running, cycling and generally trying to keep fit and healthy. I also have a little-known talent for writing odes (poems) and surprising people with them on special occasions!
Jess HarrisÂ
Community Fundraising and Support Executive
I joined the charity in September 2018. I had lost my dear Mum to brain cancer in the July so was delighted, when given the opportunity, to be a part of Heartburn Cancer UK and to help make a difference to others. Having lost a loved one to cancer made the role at HCUK very appealing, having experienced what many people are, sadly, going through every day – cancer totally sucks! My priority within the charity is mostly marketing based, but we all muck in where we can, and l consider myself very lucky to be part of such a lovely team.
My previous jobs have predominantly been admin based and within the IT sector, but I also have experience working in Clinical Research for a CRO (Contract Research Organisation) so that medical background comes in handy too.
In my own time I love spending time with family, socialising with friends, going to the theatre and reading. I also like walking my dog and a bit of Pilates. I enjoy wildlife and prefer to be outside whether walking the dog or a doing a spot of gardening.
Fiona Kent
Marketing & Communications
 I joined HCUK in July 2024, providing Marketing and Communications Support. In January 2024, I was diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus, despite having very few symptoms. I am deeply thankful for all the advice and information provided by HCUK and am now dedicated to raising awareness, ensuring people understand and act on early symptoms.
With a strong marketing background spanning 30 years, I have managed and worked in marketing teams across various industry sectors, including Utilities, Automotive, Financial, and Cyber Security. I am excited to be part of the dedicated HCUK team, working together to help save lives.
Outside of HCUK, I am a qualified Hypnotherapist and Reiki Practitioner, supporting individuals from all walks of life in overcoming significant life challenges. I help many people to naturally relax, release tension, fear, and sadness, allowing them to re-balance, reset, and move forward. Additionally, I regularly volunteer at a local children’s hospice, where every bit of time, care, and compassion makes a real difference.
I am a mum of two busy teens and love walking my two dogs through the fields and woods where I live, and hitting the gym, including the 6.30am spin classes! When I get time to relax, I enjoy a good book or a Netflix series.