Our Team
Jane Hoare
Chief Executive
Jane joined The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity as the first Chief Executive in January 2023 and is responsible for developing and delivering the charity’s strategic vision to further support the Children’s Cancer Unit and the families undergoing treatment there.
Jane has over 18 years’ experience in the charity sector, primarily in income generation and team development. Prior to her appointment, she led the fundraising team at Cancer Fund for Children. Jane is extremely passionate and driven about the issues surrounding children and young people affected by cancer in Northern Ireland, and the need for excellent support services.
Jane is a huge music fan and outside of work has a packed schedule full of gigs and concerts!
Sinead Lynch
Fundraising Manager
Sinead joined The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity in July 2023 and is responsible for managing income streams and creating mutual value partnerships.
Sinead has been involved in the charity sector for the last 18 years; starting in grass roots mediation with Spirit of Enniskillen, before undertaking a Joint Law and Accounting Degree and a Masters in Peace and Reconciliation Studies. Sinead has a proven track record in creating and developing £1m+ partnerships, adding value in corporate governance, multi-channel communications strategy, and brand awareness.
Outside of work, Sinead enjoys spending time with her family and young children and likes to escape on a holiday or two when she can.
Máire Borthistle
Communications Manager
Máire joined The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity in August 2023 and oversees all aspects of Communications and Marketing activity. She is responsible for creating awareness of the charity’s services and fundraising activity. Máire works closely with families and the multi-disciplinary teams in the Unit to highlight the issues faced by children, young people and their families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Máire has worked for more than 15 years in a variety of Communications and Marketing roles within the private and public sector. She has a strong background in producing creative and engaging campaigns and developing mutually beneficial partnerships. Máire holds a BA Hons in Business Studies and a MSc in Communication, Advertising and PR from Ulster University.
Outside of work, Máire enjoys spending time with her young family, cooking and interior design.
Cathy Cree
Office Manager
Cathy joined The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity in May 2024. She is responsible for managing the day-to-day running of the office as well as facilities, health and safety, finance and all areas of office admin. Having worked in Administration for over 25 years, Cathy has held a number of PA and Office Manager roles in the voluntary and private sectors, most recently as Senior Admin Manager in the South Eastern Trust. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all things admin. Cathy is a lifelong learner and holds qualifications in Resource & Talent Management, Service Improvement and HR. She has been an Associate Member of CIPD since 2012.
Outside of work Cathy enjoys spending time with family and friends and watching Netflix.
Michelle Dunne
Services Co-ordinator
Michelle joined The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity in May 2024 and is responsible for co-ordinating all support services. Working closely with the families and staff within the Unit, Michelle ensures that children and their families have access to the range of services that are relevant to their needs such as our Robotics Programme, family events, pizza nights and seasonal events and décor within the Unit.
Michelle has over 14 years’ experience of working with children and families, within the areas of SEN and family support services. She has experience of working with a range of support agencies, from social services to schools.
When Michelle isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her children and singing in a band- she’s been gigging since she was 12!
Ruairi Forester
Community Fundraiser
Ruairi joined The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity in September 2025 as Community Fundraiser and is responsible for supporting fundraising within the local community across Northern Ireland and strengthening and developing relationships with donors and supporters. Before joining the charity, Ruairi worked in digital marketing for a well-known retailer. He graduated from Ulster University in 2021 with a degree in Marketing and during his studies received a scholarship through the British council to study American Business Practice at Simpson College in Iowa. Outside of work he enjoys playing and watching football, travelling and the outdoors.
Whether you have a question, need support, or want to learn more about our work, we’re here to assist you. Contact us today, and a member of our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
