Action for M.E., the UK’s leading charity for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E), is delighted to announce the appointment of Alan Cook CBE as the new chairman. Alan has close family who have M.E. and he welcomes the opportunity to use his business skills to help raise awareness and understanding of an illness so dear to his heart.
After a highly successful period as the Post Office's Managing Director, Alan is retiring in May to pursue non-executive roles. His appointment comes at a time when public awareness of the illness is high due to the tragic death of Lynn Gilderdale and the subsequent court case involving her mother Kay, who assisted her suicide.
Alan will greatly strengthen Action for M.E.'s board of trustees and play a crucial role in delivering the charity's ambitious development strategy.
Commenting on his appointment, Alan says:
“I am really excited to be joining Action for M.E, a great organisation that already punches well above its weight. This illness can be devastating and so much more needs to be done including the fundamental biological research necessary to understand M.E. We must also help change attitudes and improve medical treatment and other types of support for all people with M.E. in the UK.”
Sir Peter Spencer, Chief Executive of Action for M.E., says:
"It's great news that Alan is coming on board to contribute his experience to this forward thinking organisation. We will benefit hugely as he extends his fantastic track record for achieving success in all that he does."
