Established in the later 1990s, About Face - Poole is a registered charity that supports people who have cancer of the head and neck.
The Charity provides one-to-one and group support for patients and their families and carers.
It also provides a specialised facility at the About Face Centre in Poole for the further education and training of health professionals in the head and neck cancer disciplines.
OUR TRUSTEES
Anthony (Tony) Pigott - Chair
Dr Tony has had a number of links with About Face over recent years. Tony was a Senior Lecturer at the London Foot Hospital (part of UCL). Later, he was seconded to the London University Careers Service. He is a fellow of the Linnean Society of London and has a PhD. Tony succeeded Mervyn Bright to the Chairmanship of the charity upon Mervyn's retirement in 2009.
Jo Bell
Jo, originally from a nursing background, has held senior NHS posts at Dorchester and Royal Bournemouth hospitals.
Christine Brienne
Christine is a Project Manager and runs coaching practice, Creative Step. She became a Trustee in 2003 after having been involved with About Face as an adviser. She is managing the support group and the charity's website.
Frances Burden
Very effective fund raiser, Frances brings banking experience to the Trustee Board. The annual Christchurch barn dance is only one of Frances's claims to fame.
Mavis Dale
Mavis is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. Having undergone facial surgery for mouth cancer under Ilanko Ilankovan,
she has supported patients one-to-one at About Face for many years and is founder member of the charity's support group. Mavis is a living testament to survival of head and neck cancer and many seek her advice. Her service to the community was recognised on 21 January 2011 when she was presented with an Achievement Award by the Mayor of Poole.
Regina Ilankovan
Regina joined the Board of Trustees in January 2010. She is a general dental practitioner, practising in Southbourne, Dorset.
Velupillai (Ilanko) Ilankovan
Ilanko is a Consultant Facial, Head and Neck Surgeon. He has worked as a NHS consultant at Poole Hospital since 1993.
He qualified in Dentistry in Sri Lanka and obtained his Medical Degree at the Welsh National School of Medicine in Cardiff.
Ilanko holds fellowships in Dentistry, Maxillofacial Surgery and General Surgery of Both Edinburgh and English Royal College of Surgeons. Ilanko helped set up About Face with patients and friends. In 2009 he co-led the South Coast Microsurgical Hands On Course at the About Face Centre.
Sajjad Walji
Saj is a Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and Head and Neck Surgeon at Poole Hospital. In 2009 he became a Trustee and co-led the South Coast Microsurgical Hands On Course at the About Face Centre.
Peter Wood
Peter, Chairman of Westover Group, has a lifetime's retail motor experience. He joined the Board in 2009, but had supported the charity throughout the Butterfly Appeal capital project.
