Trustees, ambassadors & volunteers

Hi, I’m Carl Rowell. I’m a proud single dad, a lifelong scout leader, and someone who’s always had a passion for helping others, whether through my work as a handyman and decorator or through community service. I’ve led scout groups for over 13 years, and when I’m not volunteering, you’ll likely find me by the water, enjoying a quiet moment with my fishing rod.

In November 2022, I became a laryngectomee following a diagnosis of laryngeal cancer. It was a life altering experience, and like many, I found myself navigating a new reality, one that can feel isolating, even with loved ones around. That’s why meeting Jon at a lary meetup in summer 2023 was such a turning point.

Joining Life After Lary felt like coming home to a community that truly understands. Its ethos, no lary should feel alone, spoke to something deep in me. It’s not just a motto, it’s a lifeline. Becoming a trustee is an honour I carry with pride. It’s a chance to give back, to stand alongside others who’ve walked this path, and to help ensure that no one feels forgotten or unsupported. Sharing stories, swapping tips, and simply being there for each other, these connections are vital to our wellbeing. I’m proud to be part of a team that turns survival into solidarity, and I look forward to helping Life After Lary grow stronger, together.

Life after Lary is pleased to be working with Michelle Vickers, an experienced charity leader and consultant, who is guiding the organisation through the process of becoming a registered charity. Michelle brings over 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, with a career spanning elite sport, head and neck cancer, and animal welfare.

For the past nine years she has dedicated her work to the Head and Neck Cancer community, serving as CEO of the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation for eight years, and most recently as Chief Awareness Officer at Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK, following the charities’ merger in May 2024.

Alongside this, Michelle has been a trustee of Wycombe Women’s Aid for over nine years, where she now serves as Chair. Michelle says: “Life after laryngectomy is a profound journey of change, and this organisation is already doing extraordinary work to ensure that no one walks that journey alone. My role is to help formalise that vision, so Life after Lary has the structure and recognition it deserves as a registered charity."

Tanya Saker who is an highly Experienced Fundraising Consultant with range of expertise across the Charity and Not for Profit Sector.

Hi Everyone, my name is Laura. I used to have a tracheostomy and I run "Life After Trachy " which is our sister group, helping people with tracheostomies and their loved ones and carers. I' m a proud member of "Life After Lary " and joined the group after becoming good friends with Jon around a year and a half ago, who supported me very much on my own journey and I couldn 't be more honoured and proud to now be a Trustee.

Its been amazing to see how far this wonderful group has come and I can 't wait to be a part of its future in this exciting new chapter as a charity.

Life After Lary is proud to announce the appointment of Dr Laura Charlesworth as Ambassador to the charity, strengthening its commitment to improving support and outcomes for people affected by head and neck cancer.

Dr Charlesworth is a HCPC registered Therapeutic Radiographer with more than 17 years of experience spanning clinical practice, academia, research and national strategic roles. She currently serves as a Health Services Research Fellow at York St John University and will take up a post as Associate Professor in April. Alongside her academic work, she has held a national role with The Society and College of Radiographers, contributing to professional standards, education and workforce development. Her research focuses on improving cancer care experiences and outcomes, particularly for people and communities who experience inequality. Her PhD explored cancer and severe mental illness, examining how comorbidity shapes patient experience and what this means for more personalised and equitable care.

Throughout her career she has worked at the interface of research, policy and practice, including roles with organisations such as Public Health England and Cancer Research UK. Dr Charlesworth’s commitment to Life After Lary is also deeply personal. In late 2024, her husband was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Navigating the pathway as a carer, while working full time and caring for a young child, has shaped her perspective and reinforced her belief in compassionate, joined up services that place patient and carer voices at the centre of care.

Hello all, It’s a great pleasure to be associated with Life After Lary (LAL). My name is David Frain, and together with my partner Melanie, we run S&J Cleaning Systems Ltd - a national sales, service, and repair company for industrial cleaning equipment. Along with our team, we’re proud to be supporters and sponsors of Life After Lary. I’ve often been told I’m a bit of a workaholic, so I don’t get much time for hobbies! But when I do, I love heading to our special place - Littlestone on the Kent coast - for some relaxation, and a few beers. I love tattoos and have 152 of them (I’ve even got my own LAL tattoo!).

All our vans proudly display the LAL logo on the rear doors, and from next year, we’ll be adding it to all our uniforms as well. We’re also dedicating a page on our website to help promote and raise awareness of Life After Lary far and wide. I am truly proud to support such an incredible cause and look forward to helping Life After Lary continue to grow.