Committee

Katie Dexter

Chair

Katie joined the committee in July 2019 and took on the Chair role in September 2023.

Prior to the Chair role, Katie handled the communications strategy for the charity over the pandemic years, and thoroughly enjoyed working with the previous chair (and wider committee) to help revamp the website, social media accounts, as well as the PCD Support UK brand. 

Katie was diagnosed with PCD in her late teens after many years of misdiagnosis and now lives near Southampton under specialist PCD care. 

Outside of her activities with PCD Support UK, Katie has a PhD in Physics and works in the Biomedical Imaging Unit at the University of Southampton. She works on world-leading research through her expertise in preclinical micro-CT and optical imaging. In her free time, Katie enjoys crochet, boxing, and board games.

Abdullah Ihsan

Treasurer

Abdullah has been involved with the PCD Support UK since July 2019. He was diagnosed with PCD (Kartagener's syndrome) at the age of 9, however there was no treatment plan in place until he was 16 years old. Since joining the committee he has attended various events to promote PCD and intends to support future fundraising events.

Abdullah is currently a data analyst at a transport and logistics company called Maersk, where he started as an apprentice. His hobbies include going to the gym, watching movies, and eating out as he loves trying new foods.

Myra Tipping

Adult Representative

Myra is the adult contact on the committee. She was Secretary for the group from 2006 to 2020, and has represented the PCD support group at many events. She has PCD herself, and was diagnosed when she was 42 years of age.

Myra used to work as a teacher and is a keen bridge player. She is a member of two book clubs and her hobbies also include, yoga, music, theatre and film.

Tasha Bellwood

Parent Representative

Tasha is one of the contacts for parents of children with PCD.  Her son was diagnosed in 2021 at the age of 11, having had many years of ear problems and a constant crackly cough. They live in West Sussex and are jointly cared for by the Royal Brompton and Brighton Hospital. Although relatively new to the world of PCD, Tasha is thoroughly committed to raising awareness, and increasing the understanding of PCD. She would be happy to talk to any parents going through this early stage of diagnosis, and beyond. 
 
Outside of PCD Support UK, Tasha works full time in Procurement as a Buyer, has a lovely little Cavapoo who is Alfie’s little guardian, and is a single mum! Her spare time usually involves being outside; watching her son play football or playing football with him, beach walks, and hill walks.  And she loves DIY!

Katie Vance

Parent Representative

Katie’s 9 year old daughter was diagnosed with PCD when she was 3 years old. Katie has been involved with PCD Support in Scotland since 2017 and delighted to join the UK committee as the role of Parent rep in 2022.

She brings her experience of being a Mum, Primary Teacher, Physiotherapy device developer and a love of all things fun and creative to the role.

Michelle Forsythe

Communications

Michelle started volunteering for PCD Support UK in January of 2023, and is the newest addition to the committee taking over as Communications lead as Katie Dexter steps into the role of chair.

Michelle was diagnosed with PCD in her early twenties after a chest scan revealed she had Situs Inversus and is looked after by Belfast City Hospital in Northern Ireland under the care of the Respiratory team.

Michelle manages the communications strategy for PCD Support UK and brings seven years experience within the Digital Marketing and Communications sector. She currently works for a Conservation NGO as the communications and events officer. Michelle will be supporting with website management and updating social media along with the team.

In her free time Michelle can be found walking her crazy spaniels Scout and Margot with her partner Dan as they explore the countryside on a never ending quest for quirky coffee shops and good cake. 

Gary Tipping

Merchandise

Gary has been a committee member since 2006. He has always been a general committee member, assisting wherever he can, and attending events representing the family support group. Gary is the contact for fundraisers requiring PCD branded equipment.

Gary’s hobbies include building sports cars, motorsport and being an active member of several car clubs. He has a great interest in music and along with his sons, he runs a small record label specialising in Americana music.

Tia Barrie

Secretary

Tia joined PCD Support UK in 2022. Tia wanted to get involved with the charity to learn and support her partner, who has PCD, but also because Tia has a passion for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) work.

Tia works as a Recruitment Resourcer for a Managed IT Company called Littlefish and also acts as a volunteer on the internal EDI team, which helps to strengthen their knowledge and ensure a fair and equal hiring process for all.

Tia spends their spare time reading and creating digital drawings, as well as exploring new places with their partner.