Cathy Thompson, Director
Cathy joined the charity as Operations Manager in May 2024, moving into a Director role in April 2025. She brings a wide-ranging experience in Operations and management to the team, having worked in similar roles across the Adventure travel, Construction, and Brand/Design industries.
She started her career with 7 years as an Occupational Therapist, then Senior OT, working initially for the NHS and then with the Adult and Childrens Disability Team in Surrey County Council before moving to France to live and work for 10 years, which took her career into the direction of Operations management.
She works to help the charity to focus on its mission and goals, and to ensure that it runs effectively, efficiently and smoothly behind the scenes, helping drive it forwards to grow its impact for the benefit of the adrenal insufficiency community and all those supporting them.
Philippa Sharman, Communications & Health Liaison Manager
Philippa was diagnosed with Addison's in her early teens and has lived with the condition for over 20 years. She spent six years volunteering to build ADSHG's social media, before joining the team and developing the charity’s presence with healthcare professionals, those affected by adrenal insufficiency and wider public.
Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, she promotes the charity’s aims, driving change toward safer and more equitable care for those living with adrenal insufficiency. Philippa works closely with clinicians, researchers, and the rare disease community to ensure their work reflects lived experience whilst meeting clinical need and is part of various research guidance and working groups. She regularly speaks at events, runs our awareness campaigns including Addison’s Disease Day, and has developed and led our Paramedic Training sessions.
When her head isn’t stuck in a book or computer, she can be found out enjoying long walks with her dog!
Chloe Mezzetti, Community Fundraising Manager
Chloe has previously volunteered and served as a trustee for the ADSHG, and as someone with firsthand experience of Addison’s, she’s passionate about supporting our community and raising awareness.
As a Community Fundraising Manager, she helps fundraisers from concept to completion, offering guidance and support to ensure successful outcomes. She also develops innovative campaigns, including Steps for Addison's Awareness and Addison's Afternoon Tea, to expand the charity’s reach and impact.
Chloe's role is diverse and includes supporting local meet-up hosts, writing articles for magazines, assisting at paramedic training sessions and providing social media support. She also contributed as a lay member on the NICE Guidelines for 'Adrenal insufficiency: identification and management', sharing her patient perspective to help shape the standard of care and patient safety for everyone living with Addison's and adrenal insufficiency across the UK,
Charlotte Owst, Social Media Assistant
Charlotte was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency a few days after her 16th birthday, following months of being unwell, and has now lived with the condition for over 10 years. She describes joining the ADSHG in July 2025 as a full-circle moment and a hugely positive step in her personal journey with adrenal insufficiency.
She studied photography at university and graduated in 2018 with a first-class honours degree. She reflects on this as one of her proudest moments and biggest achievements to date. Managing a complex, long-term health condition whilst studying and working was not without its challenges.
Charlotte has worked freelance in digital marketing for several years, in addition to being a part-time personal assistant. She wants to utilise her skills, creativity, and lived experience to continue the charity’s mission of supporting those affected by Addison’s disease and adrenal insufficiency. She knows firsthand how isolating living with the condition can be and wants to help others feel less alone.
When she’s not working or resting, you can usually find Charlotte on a long walk with her rescue dog, catching up with family over coffee or with her head in a book.
Thea Blunt
Thea has supported ADSHG's membership services for over six years and now contributes to a range of areas across the organisation, including the shop and events. With a background in event management, she enjoys creating structure, maintaining efficient processes, and ensuring operations run smoothly. As a mum of three young children, she is experienced in balancing multiple priorities while maintaining a positive, practical, and organised approach!
Outside of work, Thea enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends, pursuing her passion for photography, and hitting the French Pyrenees slopes whenever possible to indulge her love of snowboarding. She also enjoys supporting her dad in his pottery studio, where she can embrace her creative side.