Meet the team - Cavell

Lewis Allett, Chief Executive

I got involved with delivering support services at university whilst studying journalism – and, having discovered my passion, never looked back. Since then, I’ve worked and volunteered at various organisations that deliver life-changing support to vulnerable and marginalised people. Before joining Cavell in 2022, I managed welfare support and grant giving services at the Royal College of Nursing. It’s been, and continues to be, an honour and a humbling experience to work with members of our nursing and midwifery professions.

Outside of work, I’m a fan of off-the-beaten-track adventures, hiking, getting messy in the kitchen with a new recipe, radio plays, and lots of dog walking (although, I don’t have a choice with this last one…).

Alison Parsons, Head of Support

Alison Parsons Throughout my career, initially as a civil litigation lawyer representing accident victims and latterly as a specialist welfare benefits caseworker at the Citizens Advice Bureau, my passion and my focus has always been on acting for, advising and representing Clients who have suffered injury, illness, disability and working poverty. I have also managed a project with a local law school which involved training students as volunteer welfare benefit caseworkers.

In my spare time I am a voracious reader and a keen walker – completing a long distance path remains a goal! I am thrilled to be working for Cavell and for the opportunity to help nurses and midwives in times of need.

Libby Rowlands, Head of Partnerships

I joined Cavell in Oct 2024, excited about building purposeful partnerships that show our nursing and midwifery family that we care for them, like they care for us and our loved ones. Fundraising has always been in my blood, throwing myself out of a plane when I was 18 and doing a WingWalk at 20. I’m looking forward to embarking on my next challenge for Cavell! I’ve worked in the charity sector for ten years, beginning my career with running an organisation which provided free birthday cakes for children who wouldn’t otherwise get one, before moving onto fundraising for children’s hospices and higher education.

My guilty pleasures are crime dramas, chocolate mice and eating too much pasta. With a reputation for being accident prone, I made my You’ve Been Framed debut when I faceplanted a gingerbread house and I once had to be rescued by a snow plough when I got stuck up a mountain!

Terri Jeynes, Support Services Manager

Terri Jeynes After graduating University with a degree in Psychology, I went on to study Law and whilst studying, I also trained as a Specialist Welfare Benefits Advisor at the Citizens Advice Bureau. During this time, I found it rewarding to be able to help people when they needed it most and to make a difference. For this reason, I enjoy working at Cavell and being able to provide support and assistance to nurses and midwives in times of crisis.

In my spare time I like to go to the cinema, out with friends and enjoy reading and going away on holiday.

Lauren Allbutt, Support Officer

Initially, I studied Psychology at University. From this, I qualified further as a teacher, with additional training of supporting children and young people’s wellbeing. Throughout these experiences, I have found my passion to help make a difference to people’s lives. So I am very excited to join the Cavell Support Team and to continue making a difference and provide support for nurses and midwives!

In my spare time, I love spending time with friends and family, including my dogs – can’t forget those! As well as, binge watching the latest TV series, reading, crocheting lots of different projects and baking too!

Kesiah Cole, Fundraising Events & Engagement Officer

I started at Cavell in 2021 and in my role as Fundraising Events and Regular Giving Officer, I look after all our challenge and virtual events throughout the year and our Here for Nurses’ Heroes regular giving programme. I am a registered Children’s Nurse and have worked on a variety of different surgical wards. My Granny was also a nurse and I have met some of the most amazing people in the profession. Having first-hand experience of the profession and the challenges many can face while committing their lives to caring for others, gives me an invaluable insight into the vital work that Cavell does.

In my spare time I love hiking and exploring the UKs glorious national parks with my husband and taking photographs. I have also been known to do the odd bit of Irish Dancing.

Laura Ireland, Engagement & Projects Officer

After spending a majority of my career as a teacher, I was delighted to join the Cavell team this year as a Fundraising Events & Engagement Officer. Helping to make a difference to people’s lives has always been a passion of mine, so being part of a charity that gives so much support to nurses and midwives is such a fulfilling job. I am very excited to be looking after all our challenge and virtual events and am looking forward to meeting so many amazing people through this!

In my spare time, you will most often find me curled up with a good book. I also enjoy travelling and the occasional baking!

Sarah Bonham, Finance, Trusts and Administration Manager

Sarah Bonham I started at Cavell in 2017 as the Operations Administrator, having had previous experience working in the charity sector for a few years. My job is a very busy one but it allows me to become widely involved with all aspects of our work, and being part of a fantastic team that pulls together, it gives me great pleasure knowing that we are helping nurses and midwives when they need support the most and it is really rewarding to do so.

In my spare time I enjoy travelling, in particular I enjoy visiting cities and this year I have discovered cruises – however I am still searching for my favourite place – which means I will just have to keep going on holiday!

Robert Tunmore, External Relations Lead

Robert Tunmore I started working with Cavell in May 2019. Edith Cavell had featured in stories my family told but I never really appreciated their significance until I worked with the Chief Nursing Officer’s Professional Leadership Team at the Department of Health. It was here that I first heard of the charity and researched the story of how Edith Cavell had helped my relative, Sergeant Jesse Tunmore, along with over 200 other soldiers in World War 1.

As a registered nurse I have enjoyed a varied, challenging and rewarding career – working across health and social care, with mental health nurses, learning disability nurses, cancer nursing and end of life care, as well as education, policy and research.

I enjoy gardening and birdwatching, city breaks and the Quantock Hills, the occasional hike up Snowdon and the Himalayas.

Savannah Seger, Marketing and Media Manager

My career in marketing has spanned across the film and automotive industry to the education and charity sector, but one thing that’s remained consistent is my passion for communication. I believe that digital channels are incredible tools that we can use to inspire, inform and reach millions of people and create a positive impact.

My role at Cavell involves ensuring the nursing and midwifery family know about the support available to them, alongside raising awareness of Cavell to build a community of fundraisers, supporters, partners and sponsors. When I’m not content creating, I’m either walking my dog, reading a good book, or dancing to country music while cooking in the kitchen.

Paul Steiner, Communications Manager

Paul Steiner After more than a decade as a freelance film editor working in factual television, I spent time in marketing and communications for a garden centre retailer before applying my skills to the charity sector. I look after the Cavell Star Awards for the charity and love reporting on the joy that this unique awards programme brings to the nursing and midwifery family all over the UK.

My family and I have received excellent care from nursing and midwifery staff and I’m excited to be part of the team making a big difference to the lives of nurses and midwives every day in the UK.