Welcome to Mast Cell Action
In 2016, we set out on a mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by MCAS. Mast Cell Action is more than a charity; it's a movement, a community, and a collective voice that echoes the needs and concerns of those we serve.
We provide support to the MCAS Community and work to raise awareness and understanding of MCAS amongst relevant professionals and organisations. Our dedication to the MCAS community extends far beyond words; it's at the heart of everything we do.
We provide support in multiple ways and are led by the voice of the MCAS community. Through virtual sessions, supportive resources, and awareness-raising activities, we are here for everyone in the UK living with MCAS.
Our driving force is the profound desire to improve the lives of everyone affected by MCAS. We are deeply committed to standing by the side of the mast cell disease community, their families and dedicated doctors. We don't merely hope for change; we actively work to create it.
Our vision is bold and unwavering: a world where every person affected by Mast Cell Disease is not only heard but truly understood. We envision a world where their symptoms are acknowledged, leading to accurate diagnoses and, most importantly, the compassionate care and support they need and deserve.
At Mast Cell Action, we believe in the power of community, the strength of passion, and the boundless potential of collective action. We invite you to join us on this incredible journey, whether you're someone touched by MCAS, a dedicated healthcare professional, or just someone who shares our enthusiasm for making the world a better place for those affected by mast cell diseases. Together, we can transform this vision into reality.
"The complete vacuum of understanding and support within the medical system convinced me something needed to be done, so when I was approached by Gawain and Jennie, I was happy to join them in founding Mast Cell Action. My background is one of branding, design and communications so I was able to help in the initial stages of sorting a name, branding, website and so on. I was subsequently volunteered to raise some money which led to undertaking two walks of the Thames along with 15 different dogs (another story!)" Chris Wood, Trustee
Our Mission
Mast Cell Action's vision is of a world where everyone affected by Mast Cell Disease has their symptoms acknowledged and experiences listened to, to achieve a correct diagnosis, and to receive the care and support that they need.
Our charitable objective is to improve the lives of people affected by Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.
Our Trustees and Leadership team
Most of us have direct experience of MCAS, either as a patient, through a family member or through a friend. Though our stories are each unique, they share the common thread of the difficulties and frustrations that accompany learning to cope with chronic illness, searching for a diagnosis, and struggling to receive treatment.
Chris Wood
Chris is a Mast Cell Action trustee and says "The complete vacuum of understanding and support within the medical system convinced me something needed to be done, so when I was approached by Gawain and Jennie, I was happy to join them in founding Mast Cell Action.
My background is one of branding, design and communications so I was able to help in the initial stages of sorting a name, branding, website and so on. I was subsequently volunteered to raise some money which led to undertaking two walks of the Thames along with 15 different dogs (another story!)". You can read more about Chris here.
You can contact Chris at Chris@MastCellAction.org
Jackie Fisher
Jackie is a trustee and treasurer and was introduced to Mast Cell Action by her son, Scott Fisher. Scott ran 27 marathons in 2021 raising an incredible £270k. Jackie's daughter-in-law, Megan, has MCAS.
Jackie says "The passion of those involved in the charity is making such a difference to so many people’s lives. It is incredibly important to support it's mission to continue to raise awareness and expand the support network for those affected."
You can read more about Jackie here.
You can contact Jackie at Jackie@MastCellAction.org
Eric Grounds
Eric is a trustee and his background spans military service, business, sports and he is an author. Key to his skill set, is extensive charity experience, having worked in the voluntary sector for over 30 years and being a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.
You can read more about Eric here.
You can contact Eric at eric@mastcellaction.org
Claire Bounds
Claire Bounds, (BA Psychology, PgDip HR, MSc HR, Assoc CIPD) is a Trustee at Mast Cell Action. Claire has volunteered with us for many years, overseeing recruitment, policies and procedures, and exit procedures.
Among other tasks, Claire also supports with health and safety, and is our safeguarding lead. You can read more about Claire here.
You can contact Claire at claire@MastCellAction.org
Joy Mason
Joy is the Director of Operations, Services and Engagement and leads the day to day running of our charity. Joy has MCAS and cares for 2 children with MCAS. Having worked in various charities for the past decade, she has extensive experience which she brings to the team.
Her personal experience with MCAS provides her with a deep understanding and empathy for those we aim to help, ensuring our initiatives are both relevant and impactful. You can read more about Joy's experiences with MCAS and her work here.
You can contact Joy at Joy@MastCellAction.org.
Our Team
We are a small team, but what we lack in size we make up for in determination, enthusiasm and a relentless commitment to making life better for people with MCAS.
Despite our size, we have a big vision and an unwavering dedication to achieving our goals. We pride ourselves on our ability to adapt and persevere, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Charise Clarke
Charise is our Community Engagement Manager and will be working closely with our community to develop support, services and resources in the coming months.
Charise has always been drawn to helping others. For nine years she worked in the community as a support worker supporting adults with learning difficulties, mental health issues and physical disabilities. She then worked with children as a tutor, TA and Science workshop facilitator before going into recruitment and eventually volunteer management.
She has a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, a Health and Social Care Diploma and an NVQ in Leadership and Management. Charise is very creative and plays guitar, sings, writes poetry and stories and makes art. She also converted her van into a campervan and has a Staffy girl called Betty.
You can contact Charise at charise@mastcellaction.org
Deborah Bircham
Deborah has recently joined us as our new Community Support Coordinator.
Deborah is a Mindfulness teacher and Holistic Health Coach, and she specialises in supporting people with long-term health conditions through a combination of naturopathic health coaching, mindfulness and psychotherapy techniques.
Deborah has a particular interest in the mind-body connection and how we can support our own wellbeing through self-care and self-compassion practices. She has MCAS, Dysautonomia and Lyme Disease and uses her own lived experience of long-term illness to enable her to fully understand and support those she works with.
You can contact Deborah at deborah@mastcellaction.org
Alyrene Rosser
Alyrene is our Fundraising Consultant and works closely with the team to raise funds for Mast Cell Action, predominantly though Trusts & Foundations, and she will also be working to expand our income generation strategy.
Alyrene has nearly 20 years' experience working for a range of charities of all sizes including UNICEF and Oxfam and more recently local mental health charities. She works across a range of audiences and different income streams, raising funds, developing strategies and building capacity. She has also founded her own NGO in Ghana, a country close to her heart. Fundraising for incredible causes is Alyrene's passion.
She hadn't heard of MCAS until she started working with us, but after learning more about the condition, and its multiple triggers, she is determined to raise as much money and recognition as possible to support people living with MCAS.
You can contact Alyrene on alyrene@mastcellaction.org
Faisal Mohammad
Faisal is an experienced HR Consultant at Nexilis HR Solutions, working under Claire Bounds. He is responsible for managing recruitment and HR services for Mast Cell Action. With over five years of specialised experience in recruitment, Faisal holds a degree in Human Resource Management and brings expertise in streamlining hiring processes and enhancing talent acquisition strategies.
Faisal has been working for Nexilis HR Solutions and offering his services to Mast Cell Action since October 2023. He currently takes charge of onboarding and recruiting all volunteers and managing any new vacancies. Any HR tasks that Mast Cell Action require completing would be left to Faisal, to complete under the guidance of Claire Bounds.
Faisal also loves with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, so can relate in many different ways to the charity and is happy to be able to support as much as required.
Faisal has a passion for Liverpool FC and in his spare time loves watching and engaging in sports; especially football & UFC.
You can contact Faisal at faisal@mastcellaction.org
Our Supporters
We have an incredible team of volunteers who support a variety of functions across the charity. Every single person who supports the work we do is key in helping us to meet our charitable aims. They are invaluable in helping the charity achieve its objectives. You can read more about some of volunteers here.
Mast Cell Action would like to thank Purpose.co.uk and Blinkio.co.uk for their very generous support in designing and building this website.
Our address
Mast Cell Action, PO Box 11152, NOTTINGHAM, NG12 5YZ
Registered Charity Number 1164917
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Donate
Mast Cell Action relies entirely on the generosity of people like you. Please make a donation now and together we can make a difference to those affected by MCAS.