Our Team

Mrs Joanne Frye

Joanne was diagnosed in November 2017 and quickly took to sharing her experience with others.  In 2023, Joanne became our Chairperson and leads the work of Ocular Melanoma UK as a trusted patient voice.

Through her work as a make-up artist for people on TV, she has made many contacts over the years and is now a key part of how we raise awareness with the general public, encouraging patrons to join us and has been instrumental in organising our gala dinners.

Mrs Charlie Edwards

In 2018 her mum was diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma. Something which shook her family to its core. Following an enucleation, they later found out in May 2019 that metastasis occurred in both the liver and lungs. Since her mums diagnosis, Ocular Melanoma UK has been a tremendous support to both her mum and entire family; helping us through some very difficult times.

Charlie brings her accounting skills to her role as Treasurer for Ocular Melanoma UK.

Mr Neil Pearce

Mr Neil Pearce has recently retired as Associate Medical Director and Consultant Hepatobiliary Surgeon at University Hospital Southampton, following his fellowship in liver transplant surgery at St James’ University Hospital in Leeds.  He has been elected to the national council for the Association of Upper GI Surgeons (AUGIS) and has been the clinical lead for the introduction of new laparoscopic techniques in liver and pancreatic surgery and the AUGIS clinical commissioning lead.

Mrs Alison Benjamin

Alison was diagnosed with ocular melanoma in December 2021, and after having enucleation in February 2022 wanted to raise awareness about it.  Alison has also taken part in a podcast with the US based charity A Cure in Sight about enucleation.

Alison found the Ocular Melanoma UK Facebook group a great help just after diagnosis and after enucleation and decided she wanted to become a Trustee of the charity.

Alison works as a legal PA for a US law firm in the City of London.

Mr Colin White

Colin first learnt about ocular melanoma when a friend’s father, our CEO, was diagnosed with this cancer.  Like most people, he was surprised to learn how this rare cancer can affect people and over the years he supported the work of Ocular Melanoma UK through his local Freemasons group and has supported several other local charities over the years.  Colin is looking forward to working with us to build our corporate support and to ensure we expand our reach, so people know they can turn to Ocular Melanoma UK for help.

He has been a Lettings Manager for 15 years and is well connected in his local area, Slough, where Ocular Melanoma UK is registered.

Mr Rob Davies

Robert is a Chartered Physiotherapist with extensive experience in patient advocacy, multidisciplinary working and governance. He is an elected Council Member and trustee of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Robert also has a personal connection to ocular melanoma through his wife’s diagnosis and treatment. He hopes to use his clinical, strategic and advocacy experience to support the OM community.

Mrs Diana Walker

Diana is a recently retired GP with 30 years’ experience, including roles as a GP trainer and appraiser. Diagnosed with ocular melanoma in 2023, she brings the combined perspective of a clinician and patient. She also has significant experience of advocacy and managing complex care arrangements and hopes to use her skills and experience to support the Charity’s work.