Chair
Wayne Coupland
After a career as an Army officer and followed by 30 years as a business director, my life changed dramatically when I was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2023. Successful chemotherapy and surgery gave me a second chance—supported every step of the way by the OPA with the clear, compassionate information they provided and the amazing Patient Buddy system. Their resources empowered both me and my partner at a time when we needed it most. Now, I’m looking forward to being able to help the OPA continue its excellent work of raising awareness, offering reassurance, and helping others access the guidance that proved so vital in my own recovery.
Trustee
Professor Grant Fullerton
Grant is the former lead Oesophago-Gastric Consultant Surgeon in Glasgow Royal Infirmary with major interests in management of malignant and complex benign upper GI disease. Grant is a former Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery with extensive research interest in benign and malignant upper GI disease. His particular interest is in the field of Barrett’s oesophagus including its role in cancer development and treatment with Radiofrequency Ablation.
Grant has now taken up an advisory post with the Scottish Government as the Clinical Lead for General Surgery. Grant has managed to introduce the Cytosponge in NHS Scotland as a National Service. The Cytosponge, now known as EndoSign, is a new technique to screen Barrett’s oesophagus patients.
To find out more about EndoSign, click here
Grant has been instrumental in the implementation of the Cytosponge as a nationally available service within NHS Scotland — a significant advancement in the early detection of oesophageal conditions. – https://opa.org.uk/endosign-capsule-sponge-technology/
Trustee
Andrew Macdonald
Profile coming soon.
Trustee/Treasurer
Stephen Brinkworth
Born in Cardiff, spent my childhood in the Rhondda Valley, where I attended the local Grammar School, before attending Cardiff University to study economics.
On leaving University, joined NatWest Bank when I spent the next 31 years, initially working in various Branches in S Wales and Bristol, before moving to London in 1984 to a Head Office Dept. Took early retirement in 2003 following the Bank’s acquisition by RBS.
Upon leaving the Bank, joined the local NHS Hospital and spent 6 years as a Project Manager implementing several HR related projects.
In 2010, diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer, but fully recovered following surgery at the Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford.
A keen sportsman over the years, having played a high level of Soccer and then Squash, and has now progressed to Lawn Bowls, and spends many hours each week on the Bowls green, not only playing but is involved in the greenkeeping duties of his local Club.
Also involved as the Treasurer for a local Probus Club, and still involved with the local Squash Club as Treasurer/Secretary.
A Warm Thank You to John Campolini
It is with great sadness that we have to announce that John has stepped down as Chairman due to ill health. He leaves with our deepest gratitude, our warmest affection, and wholehearted good wishes.
John Campolini’s journey with the OPA is one that will be familiar to many of us. Diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer and treated at St Thomas’ Hospital under the care of Robert Mason and James Gossage, John came through surgery and, like so many, emerged with a powerful determination to give something back.
That determination led him to become a tireless voice for early diagnosis – speaking openly about the dangers of ignoring heartburn (indigestion), acid reflux, and encouraging anyone with persistent symptoms to seek specialist referral without delay. For John, this is deeply personal. His father was taken by the same disease over 30 years ago, and his son is currently being monitored for the condition. Few people understand better why this work matters.
As Chair, John has embodied everything the OPA stands for – bringing people together, sharing experiences, and making sure no one faces this journey alone. His hope has always been simple and sincere:
“My hope is that we support each other in various ways such as meeting up, having discussion groups, inviting specialist speakers to our meetings.”
24th March 2026
Secretary
Philip Wright
Studied at Cambridge, Munich and Madrid. 40 years working in art museums and galleries, writing and lecturing on their history and ethics, and nursing in hospitals and in the community, before retiring in 2016. Now living mainly in west Wales, caring for his partner who is a survivor of 17 years after complicated surgery for oesophageal cancer.
Operations Manager
Maggie Robinson
Maggie joined the OPA in March 2013, bringing 15 years of experience from both the Law Society and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), where she worked in fraud intelligence and as a project manager, developing a strong foundation in regulatory practice, investigative insight, and operational leadership.
As Operations Manager, she oversees the organisation’s entire operational framework, driving strategic initiatives, optimising processes, and leading teams to deliver high-quality, efficient services across the organisation. Her leadership ensures that the OPA operates with excellence, agility, and a focus on continuous improvement.
Outside of work, Maggie has two daughters and four grandchildren, two of whom are American. She enjoys writing children’s stories, immersing herself in new books, and taking long walks with her Sproodle, Lola.
Fundraising Manager
Drew Matthews
Drew joined the OPA in 2015 as an administrator apprentice straight after finishing school. Over the years, she has progressed to become the organisation’s Fundraising Manager. In this role, she leads on securing and nurturing relationships with Charitable Trusts and Foundations, while also supporting individual fundraisers taking on inspiring challenges — from bake sales to marathons. Alongside her fundraising responsibilities, Drew plays an integral role in the day-to-day administration of the Head Office.
Outside of work, she enjoys walking, reading and travelling.
Patron
Fiona Wade
Personal message from Fiona Wade (Actress):
“Some years ago I lost my father to oesophageal cancer. He was such an amazing person, the best father I could ever wish for and it was so sad and shocking when he was diagnosed. I had never heard of this type of cancer before and I always feel to this day that if we had been more aware of oesophageal cancer or reflux disease then for sure earlier diagnosis would have made a huge difference and maybe saved his life. Early diagnosis by spreading awareness is absolutely key in saving lives from this cancer, so please help us to carry on doing all we can to make people more aware and help us to save lives and to support and reassure every patient who needs our help. Thank you.”
Honorary Medical Advisor
James Gossage MBBS • BSc • MS • FRCS
Consultant oesophagogastric and general surgeon
James is based at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He has been looking after patients with either oesophageal or gastric cancer for over 15 years. He works in a busy specialist unit in central London with the support of the St Thomas’ Oesophagogastric Surgical Team. He is the surgical lead for the national OG cancer audit team based at the Royal College of Surgeons. His research is focused on improving patient quality of care and long-term survival.
Home | Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (guysandstthomas.nhs.uk)
Consulting Expert
Mr Nick Boyle BM • MS • FRCS
Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon
Nick Boyle is the founder of RefluxUK and is widely regarded as one of the most experienced surgeons in the country for treating reflux. He is a leading expert in the surgical management of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) and chairs the RefluxUK Multi-Disciplinary Team, which he also pioneered. He is based in central London at King Edward VII’s Hospital and The Mayo Clinic, as well as in the southeast at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital.
Nick is a specialist laparoscopic, upper Gastro-Intestinal and reflux surgeon. He trained in general surgery and subsequently specialist surgery of the oesophagus and stomach at Guys and St Thomas’ hospitals in London and in laparoscopic surgery at the Minimal Access Therapy Training Unit in Guildford. He graduated from the University of Southampton and was awarded a Master of Surgery degree by London University. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Nick was appointed as a consultant surgeon in 2000.
Specialists in the Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment of Reflux – RefluxUK
Sleep Scientist, Behavioural Sleep Coach
Louise Peers
Louise is a Sleep Scientist, Behavioural Sleep Coach, with previous experience of running a GastroPhysiology Lab in the NHS. She now specialises in evidence-based sleep interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), with a strong focus on the links between sleep, mental health, and chronic conditions. Drawing on a background in both NHS diagnostics, research and real-world coaching, she delivers innovative sleep workshops tailored for cancer survivors—providing compassionate, practical support to those navigating sleep disturbances during and after treatment. Her workshops blend science, self-compassion, and behavioural strategies to help rebuild a healthy relationship with sleep, helping people reclaim rest as a foundation for healing, resilience, and wellbeing.
Clinical Physiologist
Jordan Haworth BSc (Hons)
Jordan has become an experienced, accredited practitioner with a special interest in how diet and the gut microbiome play a role in digestive disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Jordan is an advocate for “gut health” and regularly breaks down the latest research on social media.
Post-CCT Clinical Fellow in Oesophagogastric Cancer Surgery
Rebecca Bott MBBS, MSc, MD, FRCS
Rebecca is currently based at Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust where she is completing the RCS fellowship in specialist oesophagogastric cancer surgery. Rebecca completed her general surgical training in London and has worked in several specialist OG centres, as well as completing a visiting fellowship to Amsterdam UMC . Her research interests include improving individual patient pathways, post-operative quality of life and the use of minimally invasive techniques including robotic surgery.
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