New recruits Eleanor Foot and Alex Briggs

We caught up with the Programme Office’s newest recruits: Project Officer Eleanor Foot and Student Combinations Alliance Assistant Alex Briggs. 

1. Tell us a bit about yourself

Ellie: I have joined the ECMC Programme Office from Macmillan Cancer Support where I worked with healthcare professionals who support people who are living with cancer as a long term condition, or who are nearing their end of life, to make informed decisions around their care and to ensure their needs, whether they are physical, emotional or informational, are met.

Outside of work, my hobbies include reading and cooking and I can often be found with my nose in a book or that day’s culinary creation.

Alex: I’m a placement student studying biochemistry at Bath, with an interest in all kinds of sports – from kickboxing to rugby. I’m currently living with other Bath placement students in North London but I’m based in Croydon where my parents and twin brother live.

2. What made you want to join the ECMC Programme Office/ECMC Network?

Ellie: I really enjoy supporting people affected by cancer, but I also wanted to return to my science roots. By joining the ECMC Programme Office, I have been able to combine my two interests: science and helping to improve the lives of people living with cancer.

Alex: The emphasis the network has on collaboration stood out to me and the Combination Alliance’s focus on experimental combination treatment seemed very interesting.

3. What are you most looking forward to over the coming year?

Ellie: I am really looking forward to meeting as many people working within the network as possible. I love organising and attending events; it’s always great to meet the people you have been speaking to over the phone or email.

Alex: I’m most looking forward to getting to know the ECMC and CRUK team as well as gaining valuable experience in the field of drug development. Also getting involved with fundraising and social events!

4. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Ellie: My very wise grandmother once told me to “find your passion and then figure out a way to make a living from it”.

Alex: ‘Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever'.