LIFE After Lary has appointed experienced charity leader Michelle Vickers as Chair of Trustees, supporting its work with people living with a laryngectomy and their families.
Michelle brings experience in charity leadership, governance, communications and fundraising, alongside a longstanding commitment to volunteering. A former Chief Executive of the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation, she also chairs Wycombe Women’s Aid.
Now semi-retired, Michelle will support Life After Lary’s sustainable development, strengthen partnerships and help ensure patients, families and volunteers continue to shape its future.
Founded by Jono Organ and Ian Phillipson, Life After Lary offers practical information, peer support and opportunities to connect with others who understand life after laryngectomy. Its work also recognises the needs of partners, families and carers.
Michelle met Jono through her work in head and neck cancer. As she approached retirement, he invited her to help establish Life After Lary as a registered charity.
Michelle said:
“Volunteering has always been an important part of my life. Becoming semi-retired has given me the opportunity to think about where I can contribute most, and supporting patients and families is something I care far too much about to simply stop.
“Jono’s determination to make sure other people felt less alone was something I immediately connected with. I am proud to support what he, Ian and the team have built.”
Reflecting on how she became involved, Michelle joked:
“I made the mistake of telling Jono I was retiring. He clearly heard that as a job application.”
Jono Organ, co-founder of Life After Lary, said:
“Michelle became a friend before she became our Chair, and that means a great deal to me. She understood why Life After Lary mattered and has given her time, experience and heart to helping us grow.
“Ian and I are delighted to have her alongside us. She cares deeply about the people we support, and we’re so lucky to have her.”
Michelle added:
“My role is to bring my experience, listen carefully and support the people making this happen. I want us to reach more people while protecting the warmth and personal connection that make Life After Lary so valuable.”
