THE driving force behind Southend’s leading breast cancer charity dedicated to ensuring early detection saves lives has announced he is stepping down after almost a decade at the helm.

Alan Kirkman is stepping down from his role as chair of trustees at Lady McAdden Breast Cancer Trust after a nine-year tenure which has been marked by significant growth and transformation for the charity.

Under his guidance, Lady McAdden has expanded its services and outreach to increase breast cancer awareness and promote early detection in the community. The trust has described Alan as “instrumental” in shaping the future of the charity. 

Support - The team at Lady McAdden Breast Cancer TrustSupport - The team at Lady McAdden Breast Cancer Trust (Image: Lady McAdden Breast Cancer Trust)


Reflecting on his years of service, he said: “It has been my pleasure to be involved with Lady McAdden.

“The trust has gone through major changes and development during that period.

“This has only been possible with the hard work and support of a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and fundraisers.”

During Alan’s time as chair, the charity not only grew in size but also strengthened its impact in supporting women and their families through breast cancer education and care. 

Charity - Chrissy Nichols, a current trustee, will succeed Alan Kirkman as chairCharity - Chrissy Nichols, a current trustee, will succeed Alan Kirkman as chair (Image: Lady McAdden Breast Cancer Trust)

His dedication was recognised earlier this year when he received the prestigious Savs Trustee of the Year Award, honouring his outstanding contributions both to the charity and the broader Southend community.

“Lady McAdden is now reaching a much wider audience regarding the importance of self-awareness and the early detection of breast cancer and is supporting a growing number of individuals and their families as they face their cancer journey,” Alan added.

“I feel extremely privileged to have played a small part in helping to develop these much needed services and I look forward to seeing the trust go from strength to strength in the future.”

The Lady McAdden Breast Cancer Trust has also announced Chrissy Nichols, a current trustee, will succeed Alan Kirkman as Chair.

Chrissy, who has been deeply involved with the charity for the past 18 months, brings her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor and her extensive network of contacts to the role.

She has already played a key part in the success of numerous fundraising initiatives and looks forward to leading the charity’s next chapter.

Chrissy said: “I am delighted and honoured to accept the role as Chair for the charity.

“I got involved with the charity because I am a breast cancer survivor myself and recognise what amazing work the charity were doing with their education programmes on how to check properly, what signs to look for and their message that finding breast cancer early can save your life.

“If we can help save just one life then it’s worth it. My team and I are working hard to expand their service support and have some very exciting ideas for the charity’s future.”

As the Lady McAdden Breast Cancer Trust moves into this new chapter, it remains committed to its mission of promoting breast health and ensuring early detection saves lives in Southend.