Parkinson's UK Board of Trustees

Our Board of Trustees is the governing body of Parkinson's UK and is ultimately responsible for everything we do and how we do it.

The board makes sure we're financially stable, well-run, and delivering what the Parkinson's community really needs. It oversees strategic matters and delegates the day to day running of Parkinson's UK to the Executive Leadership Team. 

Read our trustees profiles, below, to find out more about them and why they joined the board. 

Gary Shaughnessy CBE (Chair)

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2015. I became a trustee of Parkinson’s UK in 2018, and then Chair of the Board in October 2019.

I’m passionate about using my voice and experience to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and improve life for people living with the condition.

My career was in the insurance and financial services industry. I stepped down from my role as CEO of Europe, Middle East and Africa for Zurich Insurance in 2018. I wanted to spend more time with my family, on non-executive roles and my fitness.

Exercise helps me manage my Parkinson’s symptoms. I enjoy combining sport with community engagement to raise funds and awareness for the charity. This has included wing walking, abseiling and running marathons.

If you have any thoughts or ideas on how we can continue to support people with Parkinson’s, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me via email [email protected] or on Twitter @gshaug7741.

Jane Burston

In my day job, I run a charity of a similar size. I bring experience of what others in the charity sector are doing, so we can keep up to date. I also have a lot of fundraising experience, having raised over £150m for my organisation in the last 4 years. Previously, I was head of a department of a large science lab, responsible for managing £18m of scientific research each year, so I can also contribute to discussions about research for new treatments.

I’m involved with Parkinson’s UK because my dad was diagnosed at age 40. I used to run a lot of marathons for Parkinson’s and have met some fantastic people on sponsored walks who are now firm friends. Because of my dad and my younger friends with Parkinson’s, I think a lot about how Parkinson’s UK can support people of working age with Parkinson’s and the challenges they face, such as caring for younger families.

I love volunteering for Parkinson’s UK and hope I get re-elected so I can continue to contribute to making life better for everyone affected.

Brian Carson 

I am delighted to join the Board of Trustees for Parkinson’s UK and look forward to supporting the charity in helping to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s and their families, friends and carers.

I have been volunteering for some time as part of the Glasgow Young Onset Parkinson’s Support Group and also set up and run a weekly table tennis session for people with Parkinson’s.

As a volunteer, I have already worked closely with Parkinson’s UK, local health providers and other volunteers on various projects delivering support and services.

I look forward to bringing my experience and connections, across the Parkinson’s community, to my role on the Board of Trustees.

  • Brian retired 3 years ago from a career in engineering, where he designed, built and tested complex warships for the Royal Navy. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017.

Matthew Durdy

I’ve been a trustee for Parkinson’s UK since 2018, and was delighted to be elected Vice Chair of the Board in 2019.

I co-founded, and am currently Chief Executive of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, which supports research into possible gene and cell therapies.

I got my MA from the University of Oxford in pure and applied biology, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. I’m passionate about integrating healthcare economics into healthcare decision making and the design of clinical products.

As well as my role with Parkinson’s UK, I’m also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. These projects keep me very busy, but in my spare time I like to cycle.

Elaine Evans

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2000, when I was 47. I then became a trustee for Wales in 2020. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to share my Parkinson’s journey in a positive way, and love to hear other people’s experiences.

Before retiring in 2015, my career was in local government. After qualifying as a social worker, I progressed to working as a general manager in health and social care.

Now, I live in Rhos on Sea in North Wales where I’m a member of the Parkinson’s UK Llandudno and District Support Group. I enjoy keeping fit, and whatever the weather I walk daily using Nordic poles.

Ian Garland

A man smiling into the camera

I became a trustee of Parkinson’s UK in 2025 and have been an Independent Director of the Parkinson’s Research Ventures Board since 2023.

I worked in the pharmaceutical sector for almost 20 years, with the majority of that time as Chief Executive. I have experience across all aspects of drug development and commercialisation in both the UK and US. The companies I have worked for have included those marketing existing treatments and others developing potential new treatments for Parkinson’s Disease.

I started my career in finance, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. During my time in the accounting profession, I began focusing on the pharmaceutical sector and became passionate about improving the lives of people facing untreatable or poorly treated diseases. I left the accounting profession and moved into the pharmaceutical sector to make a tangible contribution to finding new and improved treatments.

I am excited to be able to bring my experiences and skills to Parkinson’s UK and the PRV Board and improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s.

Outside of work, when not caring for my elderly parents, I enjoy spending time with my family, working in my garden, travelling, walking and playing golf.

Katrina Green

I was appointed trustee and Finance Trustee in 2020. My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017 after experiencing symptoms for over a decade, so that’s where my motivation comes from.

In my day job I work in corporate finance for an insurance company and I’m a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder. Outside of work and Parkinson’s UK, I love to travel and play an active role in my community in North London.

My experience in finance means I’m passionate about making the most of every penny Parkinson’s UK receives. I want us to find a cure and in the meantime make life better for people with Parkinson’s, and their family, friends and carers.

Pamela Harding

I became a trustee and Chair of the Board’s People Committee in 2025.

My professional and volunteer work is driven by a desire to serve and benefit individuals and societies. The work that Parkinson's UK does is close to my heart because a close relative has Parkinson's.

As an experienced senior HR professional, I've successfully developed and led many people-related initiatives that have improved organisations’ effectiveness.

I also have expertise in organisational design and understanding how the right technology, processes, people, culture, and resources contribute to achieving the best results.

Dr Sangeeta Kulkarni

I was honoured to be appointed as a trustee in December 2024. I am a consultant geriatrician based in Gloucestershire with over a decade of experience in the care of older adults, including those living with Parkinson’s. I hope to contribute to the charity’s mission by offering a clinical perspective on key decisions, supporting the development of educational programs, and advocating for improved access to specialist care.

My role as a clinical specialist has given me an insight into the complexities of symptom management, the importance of multidisciplinary care, and the need for continuous innovation in treatments and support services.

I am particularly interested in enhancing awareness and education around non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as cognitive decline, sleep disturbances, frailty, multiple coexisting health conditions and mental health challenges. These symptoms can often be overlooked but have a profound effect on an individual’s well-being.

I believe that collaboration between medical professionals, researchers, policymakers, and patient communities is essential in driving progress. I am excited to contribute to the charity’s initiatives, ensuring that every person with Parkinson’s has access to the best possible care, support, and information.

Peter Miller

I am delighted to have been elected a Trustee of Parkinson’s UK for a second time as I have a deep personal commitment to improve the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s. 

My wife’s diagnosis in 2014, resulted in my involvement in advocacy and research within the Parkinson’s community locally and nationally. 

I enjoyed a career in international sales and marketing including leadership roles at HP and Pearson, giving me experience in lobbying, governance and stakeholder engagement. 

After retiring in 2017, I dedicated my time to volunteering for the NHS, Parkinson’s UK, and other charities. I served as a Trustee of Parkinson’s UK from 2019 to 2023, representing the Parkinson’s community in England. 

In 2018, my wife and were co-founders of Fighting Fit, a small charity delivering residential wellbeing courses for those with early-stage Parkinson’s. 

At the end of 2023, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (an incurable, but treatable, cancer of the bone marrow) and as a result stepped back during chemo treatment but I am currently in remission and ready to get back to work. 

I am passionate about championing the patient voice, tackling healthcare inequality, and supporting those with complex and advanced Parkinson’s.

I relish the opportunity to support the future development of the charity.

Graham Pierpoint

I was delighted to be elected in 2025 as the Parkinson's UK trustee in Northern Ireland. 

For the past eight years, I had been Chair of the Newtownabbey Parkinson's UK Support Group. My wife is the group secretary and her mother had Parkinson's. 

My motivation comes from witnessing the care and passion local volunteers show, and the significant role groups play in helping to improve the lives of people affected by Parkinson's. 

Before retirement I held a senior role dealing with the pension scheme in a major organisation in Northern Ireland. I am passionate about using my skills and experience to address the needs of people with Parkinson's.

Kate Platts

I was honoured to be appointed in 2023 to represent Members on the Board of Trustees for Parkinson’s UK and look forward to helping shape and ensure the delivery of all of the charity’s strategic aims.

As the finance contact for the Sheffield Support Group of volunteers, I work proactively to support and create a community for those with Parkinson's locally. I also enjoy supporting the regional fundraising activities.

As a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and the Finance Director for a national social care sector charity, I believe I can bring my financial skills and acumen to be a highly effective member of the Board and ensure we have the funds to invest in Parkinson’s UK.

I will use my experiences of postdoctoral work in cancer research within the NHS and university settings to contribute effectively at meetings, supporting the provision of excellent health care and investing in research for new treatments.

In my spare time, I love nothing more than being with my family, keeping fit, going to the theatre and reading.

Janet Shipton

I am delighted to be elected as a Trustee for Parkinson’s UK, and feel passionate about using my voice to represent those that don’t have one. 

With over 25 years of project and design management experience in retail, manufacturing, research, and design, I completed a PhD at Sheffield Hallam University in 2007. I also set up and managed a deli, my own design business, and community art groups. I was a Trustee of two community charities and co-founded a youth club and a social dining club for the elderly. 

Diagnosed with Younger Onset Parkinson’s Disease in 2018 at the age of 47, I redirected my energy to being a Parkinson’s advocate and artist. As the co-founder of the award-winning Parkinson’s theatre group "Parky Players" in 2020, I have been the lead fundraiser and co-producer for their three theatre productions that toured the UK, including award-winning and five-star runs at the Edinburgh Fringe. 

I live with my partner and our two dogs, and enjoy performing stand-up comedy, and singing and playing keyboards. I also enjoy boxing training and walking football. 

I’m a volunteer for the Mansfield Parkinson’s Support Group.