Diabetes UK Cymru has appointed Rachel Burr as the organisation’s new National Director. Diabetes UK Cymru supports people living with the condition, campaigns for improved care, and raises money to fund vital research in Wales.
Rachel Burr joins Diabetes UK Cymru with a wealth of experience. She has over 15 years' experience in the Third Sector, including at Dogs Trust and Citizens Advice.
Rachel most recently worked as Director for Wales at the Community Transport Association. This is a UK-wide charity which seeks to reduce loneliness and isolation by championing and supporting community transport solutions.
This work led her to focus on people's journeys and access to health settings across Wales. She was particularly concerned about those unable to access transport due to inaccessibility, poverty, or geography.
Before this Rachel has led teams across Wales and the UK to campaign for change on a range of issues. She's also delivered education campaigns. Rachel is passionate about mobilising and empowering communities and has an interest in long-term behaviour change.
Rachel said:
“I am extremely excited about taking on this important role at such a crucial time for the charity and for people living with diabetes.
As we move out of the pandemic and find ourselves in an unfamiliar and over-stretched health landscape, we must ensure that the over 200,000 people living with diabetes in Wales, and those yet to be diagnosed, are not left behind and receive the screening and care they deserve.
We must also work hard to ensure prevention of diabetes is front and centre of the Welsh Government’s health agenda. This is a time to push for better things for our community, and I look forward to doing so.”
She succeeds Dai Williams, who retired after 13 years as Diabetes UK National Director.
Chris Askew OBE, Chief Executive at Diabetes UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rachel to the organisation. We look forward to the impact her leadership will bring to our support, campaigning and research work in Wales.”
