FORCE Cancer Charity appoints new CEO
FORCE Cancer Charity has appointed Kate Few-Singh as its new chief executive.
She will take over from Meriel Fishwick, who leaves at the end of October after 34 years with the Exeter-based charity, which supports local people affected by cancer.
Mrs Few-Singh has more than 20 years’ experience working in the healthcare charity sector, for both national and local charities including Sue Ryder and Hospiscare.
Most recently she has been director at an innovation agency, working with charities to develop their strategies based on beneficiary and supporter insights, with the aim of improving services, generating sustainable income and successful partnerships.
In addition, Mrs Few-Singh has experience of developing charity brands and improving marketing and communications.
Since 2021 she has been a trustee for Space, a youth work charity with 10 youth centres in Devon.
“I am delighted to be joining FORCE Cancer Charity as Meriel Fishwick retires this autumn. FORCE is a much-loved local charity that makes a huge difference to the lives of many people living with cancer in Exeter, Mid and East Devon. I am looking forward to meeting the volunteers, supporters, partners and staff who make what we do possible and the patients who are supported,” said Mrs Few-Singh.
Glynis Atherton, acting chair of trustees at FORCE, said: “Following the retirement of Meriel Fishwick after 34 amazing years of leading FORCE, Exeter's Cancer Support Charity, FORCE's Board of Trustees are delighted to announce the appointment of Kate Few-Singh as our new Chief Executive. Kate brings to FORCE wide-ranging senior level experience in the voluntary sector and is committed to enhancing and developing services for local people affected by a cancer diagnosis. We look forward to working with her on the next stage of our journey.”
FORCE provides free support and information to anyone affected by cancer at its centre in Exeter and at local community hospitals.
The charity offers counselling, group sessions, complementary therapies, benefits advice, specialist physiotherapy and exercise guidance and other health and wellbeing support to cancer patients and those close to them.
The FORCE Cancer Support and Information Centre is on the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital’s Wonford site. It’s open Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays, between 9:30am and 4:30pm.
FORCE also works at the Ottery St Mary Hospital cancer hub, where volunteers support the charity’s team of experts and the nurses delivering chemotherapy daily. Support by appointment is also available at Tiverton Hospital (Mondays) and Okehampton Hospital (Wednesdays).
FORCE funds local research projects and buys equipment to improve patient care at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
As an independent charity, the majority of FORCE’s work is funded by local donations, fundraising, grants, legacies and an award winning shop in Heavitree.
