The Team & our Volunteers

The Ray of Light team

Sue Norris Founder and Operational Director

Sue Norris

Sue comes from a social care background. Sue has worked for the Disability Team, Children’s Services and Scheme Manager for 17 years with Home-Start Cymru working closely with families, carers, volunteers, and referrers.

Sue supported both parents and other family members through their diagnosis and at the time felt she was completely lost and isolated.

With these feelings resonating, Sue founded Ray of Light Wales 10 years ago to offer support by holding groups and a choir at Velindre Cancer Centre. Sue also has a team of dedicated Volunteers who have been impacted too.

Sue is responsible for the development and operational management of the charity’s services.

Rebecca O’Mahoney Senior Project Co-Ordinator

Rebecca O’Mahoney

Becci has volunteered for Ray of Light for the past 10 years. She has a background in customer services, she is also a dementia friend and a well-being champion in the workplace.

Cancer has had a big impact on her family and she found there wasn’t any type of support for families going through similar situations.

Becci especially loves being part of our Ray of Light Warblers Choir which improves our emotional wellbeing. She has performed solo parts in our digital choir videos during Covid-19

Becci is responsible for our groups and also supports our telephone befriending volunteers.

Verity Cadwallader Digital Marketing & Fundraising Officer

Verity Cadwallader

Verity has worked in fundraising for over 11 years and has worked for charities such as Tenovus Cancer Care, Sparkle and The Royal Mencap Society.

Verity lost her mum to cancer in 2012 after a 7 year journey, and understands the loneliness and isolation that a devastating diagnosis can have on the whole family.

Verity is passionate about making a difference to people who’s lives have been affected by cancer and finds it rewarding to support and empower other people to fundraise to help make a difference.

Verity is our Digital Marketing and Fundraising Officer and will be responsible for raising awareness of the charity, as well as raising the vital funds to help keep our services running.

Helen French Community Project Co-Ordinator

Helen French

Helen has worked in charities supporting people affected by cancer for over 10 years and has worked for Tenovus Cancer Care, Penny Brohn UK and City Hospice. She has experience of working with cancer patients and carers as a counsellor, managing counselling and support services and setting up counselling services for people affected by cancer across Wales.

Helen was impacted by the loss of her mum over 20 years ago from cancer, and two years ago her dad also died from cancer. She is passionate about supporting patients and families affected by cancer, and helping people find support through difficult times.

Volunteers

Sue also has the help of a dedicated team of volunteers who have been impacted too. This strong body of proactive volunteers bring their own diverse experiences and knowledge of the cancer journey to Ray of Light.

They have passion and commitment to the cause.

“Originally I became a volunteer to support Sue with setting up the Ray of Light Warblers, our singing group and choir. I have also lost many loved ones to cancer. There were times I felt lost, lonely and no one to talk or turn too or even sit in silence and just be there. Volunteering enables me to offer support to others who maybe going through similar emotions at what can be a difficult time and that I felt wasn’t there for me.”
Deb

They are inducted and trained, following enhanced DBS checks, to be able to give effective emotional and practical support for our beneficiaries. Some are bereaved, some are undertaking the caring role. We currently have 11 volunteers whose lives are enriched by helping others.

There are many volunteer roles, although we are limited due to lockdown restrictions at the moment, we need:

Fundraisers
Drivers
Befrienders
Telephone / Zoom 1:1 Support
Marketing & Admin Support
Workshop Leaders
BSL Interpreters
Welsh Speakers

“I decided to help volunteer to give something back to the community. I take part in a few charity events for Cancer, i.e. Race for Life and wanted to offer support and advice for carers who sometimes get forgotten about. I encourage people to join in the choir as well, as this helps make new friends. Singing changes your mood and helps uplift you. It helps with mental awareness and generally gives you that feel good factor. You can lose yourself in a song and have no worries for that moment.”
Sofia

I’ve become a volunteer to support Sue in the delivery of Ray of light support groups.
It’s also an opportunity to give something back. There was a time where I was in emotional conflict and I remember it’s the support I received from others that got me through. Volunteering for such a worthy cause is me saying thankyou
Sindy

Hi I’m Lisa
I joined Ray of Light because I want to offer support to people who are caring for a loved one with cancer.
Many of us have experienced the need of a shoulder to cry on, or wanted someone to help us bear the weight on our shoulders, but from personal experience I know that support for carers can be lacking.
Volunteering has given me the opportunity to literally shine a little ray of light into the gloom many of us feel at such a difficult and emotional time.
I am responsible for preparing the arts and crafts at rol. I have a particular interest in projects that involve recycling or up cycling. I have always found this to be beneficial and therapeutic during times of stress.
Lisa