Committee

Lucy Dixon

Chief Executive

Lucy joined PCD Support UK as Chief Executive in June 2026, having been involved with the charity since 2014 and served as Chair from 2020 to 2023. After taking a short break following the birth of her son, she returned to lead the charity through its next stage of development, working with the Board of Trustees to strengthen its support, research, advocacy and national voice for people affected by PCD.

Diagnosed with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) with situs inversus at the age of four, Lucy did not receive specialist PCD care until she started university at 18. Her experience of living with PCD has informed a longstanding commitment to improving access to timely diagnosis, high-quality specialist care and research that reflects the priorities of patients and families. She has contributed to national and international PCD research and guideline activity and works closely with clinicians, researchers and patient organisations to strengthen patient involvement in research and service development.

Before joining PCD Support UK, Lucy spent eight years working in education, supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to access selective universities. She later retrained as a social researcher and held research and leadership roles across the public sector, including four years in the NHS as a Strategic Lead for Research. She is an experienced qualitative researcher with particular expertise in creative, participatory and patient-centred research methods, and a strong interest in translating patient experience into evidence, policy and improvements in care.

As Chief Executive, Lucy is particularly focused on strengthening PCD Support UK as a sustainable, evidence-led patient organisation; expanding its research and patient involvement work; and helping to accelerate progress towards better treatments and, ultimately, targeted therapies for PCD.

Originally from West Wales, Lucy is now based in Oxford. Outside work, she enjoys live music, spending time with her young family and learning British Sign Language.

Alex Polak

Chair

Alex became Chair of PCD Support UK in April 2026, having lived with a diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) for more than 35 years.

Professionally, Alex is a senior leader in local government, specialising in democracy, good governance and organisational change. He is currently an Assistant Director across two local councils and has held senior roles in a number of local authorities across the UK, leading major governance improvement programmes and overseeing a range of corporate services. He brings extensive experience in strategic leadership, organisational governance and managing large multidisciplinary teams, as well as a particular interest in coaching, training, facilitation and presenting.

As Chair, Alex is focused on helping PCD Support UK achieve its ambitions by championing the contribution of its volunteers and fundraisers, strengthening the charity’s governance, and ensuring that the voices and experiences of people living with PCD remain at the heart of its work.

Having benefited from the charity’s work for many years, Alex is committed to building on the legacy of its previous chairs and working alongside the Board of Trustees and Chief Executive to support the charity’s continued development and meet the changing needs of the UK PCD community.

Alex lives in Cornwall with his wife and two children. Encouraged to learn the trumpet as a child to support his lung health, he now leads a busy funk and soul band.

Abdullah Ihsan

Trustee

Abdullah has been involved with PCD Support UK since 2019. He was diagnosed with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) with situs inversus at the age of nine. Although diagnosed in childhood, he did not receive a structured treatment plan until he was 16. Since joining the charity, Abdullah has become a passionate advocate for people affected by PCD and has represented PCD Support UK at public events, patient meetings and conferences in the UK and internationally.

He has held a number of voluntary roles within PCD Support UK, including serving as Treasurer from 2019 to 2025. Abdullah has also worked alongside healthcare professionals to improve the quality and cultural relevance of information and resources for people with PCD. In particular, he has helped raise awareness of issues affecting people from different cultural and faith backgrounds, including writing about fasting during Ramadan with PCD. He has also shared his experiences as a British Pakistani person living with PCD on the RarelyHeard podcast.

Professionally, Abdullah works as a data analyst for a large international transport and logistics company, bringing analytical and organisational skills to his work with the charity. Outside work, he enjoys going to the gym, watching films and discovering new places to eat.

Tasha Bellwood

Trustee

Tasha is one of PCD Support UK’s contacts for parents and families of children with PCD. Her son was diagnosed with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) in 2021, following many years of ear problems and a persistent wet cough. Through her family’s experience of diagnosis and specialist care, Tasha has developed a strong commitment to raising awareness of PCD and supporting other families as they navigate diagnosis, treatment and life with the condition.

She is particularly happy to hear from parents whose children have recently been diagnosed, as well as those looking to connect with another family who understands some of the challenges that can come with caring for a child with PCD.

Outside PCD Support UK, Tasha works full time in procurement as a Buyer. She lives in West Sussex with her teenage son and their Cavapoo, and enjoys spending as much of her spare time outdoors as possible — whether watching or playing football with her son, walking on the beach or in the hills, or tackling her latest DIY project.

Katie Vance

Trustee

Katie Vance is the parent of a child with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), giving her first-hand experience of the practical and emotional challenges families can face in navigating diagnosis, treatment and everyday life with the condition.

Professionally, Katie is the founder of Bubble FLO Ltd, a company developing respiratory therapy devices for children, and she also works part-time as a learning support teacher. Throughout her career, her focus has been on supporting children’s wellbeing and helping them to enjoy happy, fulfilling childhoods.

Katie became a trustee of PCD Support UK because she understands the importance of accessible information, practical support and a strong community for families affected by PCD. As both a trustee and a parent, she is passionate about ensuring that the experiences and priorities of families are reflected in the charity’s work.

Based in Scotland, Katie is particularly committed to improving access to specialist PCD care for people living there, where there is currently no dedicated PCD service. She is also passionate about ensuring that the experiences of families receiving care outside specialist centres inform the charity’s priorities and advocacy.

Gerry Rowe-Ham

Treasurer

Gerry is Treasurer of PCD Support UK and a qualified chartered accountant with a professional background in investment management.

His youngest son was diagnosed with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) at the age of four, following a difficult start to life and several years without a clear explanation for his symptoms. Gerry and his family first came to PCD Support UK for information, practical advice and support, particularly around physiotherapy.

As Treasurer, Gerry brings extensive financial experience to the Board and also supports the charity’s fundraising work. He became a trustee to help strengthen the support available to other families affected by PCD and to raise awareness of the condition.

He hopes to see PCD Support UK continue to grow, broaden the ways it supports families and ensure that others can access the kind of information and guidance that proved so valuable to his own family.