Who We Are

Over the years she has developed the service to encompass the needs of patients with skull base pathology including Acoustic Neuroma. The service at Salford now has around 150 new referrals per year for Acoustic Neuroma and Andrea has set up nurse led clinics to follow patients after surgery and SRS along with telephone clinics and rapid access clinics to identify and treat symptoms. She has been able to develop comprehensive patient information documents, local policies on the management of skull base patients and has recently been appointed onto the council of the British Skull Base Society. Andrea participates in the Manchester AN support group and is delighted  to take on the role of BANA Trustee.

He is also committed to improving outcomes for patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 2. Professor Lloyd’s current research interests include transtympanic drug therapy and novel methods of predicating vestibular schwannoma growth. He is widely published in the field of skull base surgery and has written six book chapters and a book as well as guidelines on the management of vestibular schwannomas in NF2 for the European Academy of Otology and Neurotology. He is also committed to training the next generation of skull base surgeons, running one of the leading international fellowships in skull base surgery. Professor Lloyd has been involved with BANA since 2007 when they provided a grant to support research into outcomes in patients undergoing conservative management of vestibular schwannomas.

He has extensive experience in business development, negotiating contracts and driving business growth. While semiconductors are certainly a niche product, these electronic devices are the main component of all electric cars and Ben has been fortunate to have worked on solutions that now power most of the electric vehicles on the road today. Outside of work Ben enjoys music, sailing, photography and reading about technology.

Ben was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma in late 2017 and underwent surgery in Munich. The experience showed him there was more to life than semiconductors and that success can often come out of the most challenging circumstances.

Before this, Jamie worked in local government for 30 years. He started as a trainee lifeguard and progressed to Deputy Chief Executive. Throughout this time, Jamie has worked closely with Third Sector organisations, including partnership initiatives, as a commissioner and provided advice and support on strategy, fundraising and governance.

Andrew took on a crazy running challenge in 2012 called 12IN12, 12 marathons in 12 months. All this to raise awareness & funds for the three incredible charities that have been there for him over the years, in his words, “ to give a little back”.

For the last few years, Andrew has volunteered for BANA on zoom chat meetings, under 35s & other meetings when needed. His positivity and outlook on life & and the will to never give up is an inspiration for other AN patients.

Juliette runs nurse-led clinics for patients diagnosed with a vestibular schwannoma post-surgery or on surveillance and is a direct point of access for patients experiencing issues with symptoms related to their tumour or treatment. She attends regular skull base MDT meetings and consultant-led clinics to provide patient advocacy and support.   Recent research projects have focused on the probability of growth in vestibular schwannoma and when surveillance imaging should cease. Her Master’s dissertation focussed on the effect of vestibular schwannoma on quality of life and argued for improved emotional support for patients with vestibular schwannoma, focusing on helpful coping interventions and virtual follow-up.

Although originally an Essex girl I have lived in the Chesterfield area for many years and love the surrounding countryside. I enjoy travelling abroad with my partner Phil and our daughter as well as simply chilling out with friends. I enjoy my postage stamp-sized garden and have an interest in Tudor history. I am Chair of Derbyshire Voluntary Action and Vice Chair of a local Deaf & Hearing Support Service. My role with BANA will enable me to work together with the Acoustic Neuroma community in the UK, and  spread the word about the excellent work that BANA is doing, as our charity continues to development and meet its full potential.

Other work history includes working as cabin crew in Dubai for four years. I loved this fast-paced opportunity to travel, experience different cultures and make new friends worldwide! However, after my travels, I was pleased to return home to be closer to my family. I live with my husband and our two children. I enjoy spending time with my family visiting new places, and exploring. I also enjoy running and regularly enter charitable races. I am a trained Reflexologist and a trainee Counsellor. I enjoy working for BANA and being as helpful and supportive as possible to people with an Acoustic Neuroma. I hope to raise awareness throughout my journey with them to develop a better understanding of the condition.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America, a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, and an Honorary Fellow of the Belgian Society of Audiology and the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists. He is a member of the Experimental Psychology Society (U.K.), the British Society of Audiology, The American Auditory Society, the Audio Engineering Society, and the Association for Research in Otolaryngology. He is President of the Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals (UK). He has written or edited 19 books and over 600 scientific papers and book chapters. He is an associate editor of the journal Hearing Research. He has been awarded the Littler Prize and the Littler Lecture of the British Society of Audiology, the Silver and Gold medals of the Acoustical Society of America, the first International Award in Hearing from the American Academy of Audiology, the Award of Merit from the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, and the Hugh Knowles Prize for Distinguished Achievement from Northwestern University. He is wine steward of Wolfson College, Cambridge.

In 2022 Sara will be running from Lands End to John O’Groats. A massive challenge in 2022, and she needs our support!  If you would like to support Sara you can do so by clicking here – Sara’s LEJOG challenge 2022.

“As some of you may be aware, in September 2022, I will be embarking on my biggest challenge yet. I will be running the length of the UK, from Land’s End to John O’Groats.” Sara Crosland – BANA Ambassador

I’m determined to raise awareness of brain tumours and vital funds for this incredible charity. I feel fortunate to share my journey and experiences with others affected by ANs and regularly chat with people to educate them and provide support. Had I been given a choice to have the brain tumour or not, I would choose to go through the same journey again. As difficult as it’s been at times, it’s allowed me to meet some inspirational people, share my journey to help others, and give me an inner strength that I didn’t realise I had.