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. Due to having further health conditions, Philippa benefited hugely from the charity’s resources, learning first-hand, the knowledge and support needed to manage multiple health conditions from a young age, both in the day-to-day and in an emergency.
Wanting to strengthen the ADSHG’s online presence, Philippa volunteered for the charity, setting up and managing their social media accounts for 6 years. Seeing people with Addison’s and adrenal insufficiency alongside medics, sharing news and opinions, engaging and learning, inspired Philippa’s passion to reach and engage with the community.
Philippa has participated in NHS research trials to further medical knowledge into Addison’s, is part of guidance and working groups for researchers helping to ensure research aims align with the lived experience, and speaks at events such as the European Society of Endocrinology's first Adrenal Patient Forum. Philippa's highlights include the charity's "Think Addison's" article which featured in The Guardian newspaper, working with RCP Medical Care on steroid-dependent patient safety and leading the ADSHG 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 worked.... XXX