Who We Are – The Team

Craig is a medical writer and patient advocate who has worked in medical communications for over 20 years. He is passionate about helping people understand complex medical concepts and language. The work he does involves translating information into easily accessible segments so that people aren’t overwhelmed by the complexity and amount of information they receive. Craig also has an interest in health psychology.

Craig is delighted to join BANA as a trustee.

I am honoured to have joined the BANA Board as Treasurer. I currently work in the finance department at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust as Head of Financial Support.

I joined the NHS as a finance graduate trainee back in 2005. In the first few years of my career I was asked to cost an acoustic neuroma procedure (I didn’t know what that was at the time), and was involved in a business case to replace linear accelerators, one of which was to have the ability to do stereotactic-radiotherapy and radiosurgery, met the Medical Director, who was to become my surgeon, about potential investments in cyberknife and gamma knife and worked with budget holders about gaining funding to support patients with neurofibromatosis II.

James was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma in August 2016, whilst living in Australia, where he had emigrated to in 2004. Due to the size of the tumour, around 3cm, surgery was the only option and was duly carried out on 5th Oct 2016. (A date you never forget!)

James is a Chartered Management Accountant, his career having taken him through a diverse range of business sectors: Mining, Electricity Generation, Fashion, Transport, Consulting, Higher Education and, in his last role, as Finance Manager at a medical research institute in Melbourne.

Peter is a consultant ENT surgeon with a special interest in the skull base and treatment for Acoustic Neuroma. He was appointed as a consultant at the University Hospitals Birmingham in 2010 and is the current lead for Skull base surgery. Peter runs a dedicated Acoustic Neuroma clinic and has hundreds of patients under his care.

He is delighted to join the board of trustees at BANA.

Andrew was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma in 2017. Then went on to have translab surgery on the 22nd of May 2017; that date will never be forgotten as it was the Manchester Arena bombing that evening; he also turned 40 in March.

In January 2017, Andrew joined a local running club; over the years, this has proved to be an incredible part of his positive recovery, from the people he has met to the confidence he has gained from fellow runners. He is now a member of the club’s committee.

Jools has worked as a nurse practitioner for the NF2 and skull base (ENT) service at the Cambridge Skull Base Unit since 2010. She is co-lead for the NF2 service for the East of England/Midland region. She is the team’s lead for user and carer issues and patient experience. She has previously sat on the British Skull Base Society Council and advises various relevant charities and support groups.

Pooja was diagnosed in May 2023 with a 4cm Acoustic Neuroma compressing the Brainstem. Her main symptoms were Tinnitus, a feeling of fullness in the left ear and some minor balance problems. She had Translab surgery in November 2023, and is now adjusting to single sided deafness and some ongoing unsteadiness with balance. Pooja has a degree in Pharmacy, and spent several years in this capacity. She now works as a Customer Success Operations Manager at Tendale – offering digital quality assurance solutions to healthcare organisations. Pooja is also a member of our Listening Ear Team. Pooja is honoured to be onboard as a BANA trustee, and to work with BANA to help and support those affected by an Acoustic Neuroma.

Bio to follow

With a distinguished career spanning 40 years in the Consumer Finance Industry, Steve Wheeldon brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach to his role as Chief Executive Officer at the British Acoustic Neuroma Association (BANA). Since joining the team, Steve has been pivotal in managing and administering the charity, working closely with our Trustees to ensure effective governance and strategic direction.

Steve’s role encompasses the development of core strategies and meticulous budget management, ensuring that BANA operates smoothly and sustainably. He leads our core operational activities, including governance and fundraising, with a commitment to enhancing our impact and outreach.

Outside of his professional life, Steve is an avid supporter of his local football team, with his Son, daughter and Grandchildren, and enjoys the thrill of Formula One racing. His passion for these pursuits reflects his energetic and dynamic approach to both work and leisure.

If you’re inspired to explore fundraising opportunities, seek advice, or simply want to chat, Steve is your go-to person at the BANA head office in Chesterfield. Reach out to him anytime to delve deeper into how you can make a difference. His door is always open for support, guidance, or a friendly conversation. Contact Steve to make your ultimate fundraising goals into reality.

Lou has over 40 years NHS experience working as a Senior Registered Staff Nurse  and the last 25 years of this as Community Staff Nurse. Lou also has  20 years experience in Bookkeeping, which she did on a small scale alongside her nursing, and she has excellent communication skills. Lou is based in our Chesterfield office, and can be contacted for help, advice or just a chat anytime.

Elaine has worked in the NHS for over 30 years in various roles clinical, administrative, and Managerial. Having worked for Queens Medical Centre in the past in the Audiology Department she has been involved in the clinics held there.  Her most recent role was as Centre Manager for a Community Hospital and Primary Care Centre in Retford looking after the estates and facilities including reception and portering staff.  She has NVQ’s in levels 3,4,5 plus a foundation degree in Business Administration and a diploma from Birmingham University in Employment Law. Elaine is based in our Chesterfield Head Office and can be contacted for help, advice or just a chat anytime.

Brian Moore is Emeritus Professor of Auditory Perception at the University of Cambridge. His research interests are: the perception of sound; mechanisms of normal hearing and hearing impairments; the relationship of auditory abilities to speech perception; design of signal processing hearing aids for sensorineural hearing loss; methods for fitting hearing aids to the individual; design and specification of high-fidelity sound-reproducing equipment; perception of music and of musical instruments.

Thank you to Sara for continuing to play a significant part in the BANA team. As Ambassador for our charity looking at opportunities to raise the profile of BANA and raise awareness of Acoustic Neuromas. You are a breath of fresh air, a burst of energy and a pleasure to speak to. We are honoured to call you our Ambassador!

In July 2015, I had surgery to remove an Acoustic Neuroma. Following the surgery, I was left completely deaf in my left ear and needed to rebuild my balance and redevelop the ability to walk unaided. After spending two days unconscious and a week in the hospital, I returned home to continue my recovery. During diagnosis, surgery and recovery, I was a Professional Footballer for Liverpool FC, and almost three months to the day after surgery made my debut in the Champions League. Now, I am continuously trying to share my story to help inspire people facing their life struggles.