We’re delighted to welcome David Bartlett to the Fountain Centre as one of our new trustees.
David brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in cancer research, exercise science and leadership, alongside a genuine passion for improving the lives of people affected by cancer. We asked David five questions to find out what inspired him to join us, what he hopes to contribute and a little more about the person behind the professional.
What inspired you to become a trustee for the Fountain Centre?
David has spent around 12 years studying how lifestyle interventions can improve wellbeing, quality of life and physical fitness in people living with cancer. Through his work, he sees first-hand how research and lifestyle interventions can make a meaningful difference to people's lives.
He has long admired the Fountain Centre's commitment to providing practical, emotional and psychological support to people affected by cancer. Becoming a trustee was a natural opportunity to give something back to the local community and support a charity that makes a genuine difference during some of life's most challenging times.
What part of our work resonates with you the most?
For David, it's the Fountain Centre's holistic approach to care.
He believes that support goes far beyond medical treatment, recognising the importance of emotional wellbeing, resilience, exercise and lifestyle in helping people maintain a sense of normality and control.
He particularly values the fact that the Fountain Centre supports not only people living with cancer, but also their loved ones — reflecting the compassionate, person-centred approach at the heart of everything we do.
What skills and experience do you hope to bring to the charity?
David is a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Immunology at the University of Surrey. Throughout his career, he has developed experience in leadership, governance, research, project management and strategic planning.
Having worked with a wide range of stakeholders and managed complex projects, he hopes to bring these skills, alongside his commitment to evidence-based practice, to help support the Fountain Centre's continued growth and impact.
What are you most looking forward to getting involved with?
David is particularly looking forward to getting to know the people who make the Fountain Centre such a valued resource — our staff, volunteers, supporters and service users.
He's excited about contributing to the charity's future direction, helping to strengthen its impact in the community and supporting opportunities that enable even more people to benefit from our services.
Tell us something about you that people might not expect!
Away from his work in cancer research, David enjoys exploring new cities and discovering places he hasn't visited before, whether overseas or closer to home. London, he admits, is taking a particularly long time to explore!
He's also a keen mountain biker, although he confesses that the hills and trails of southern England don't always compare favourably with those back in his native Scotland.
And when he's not outdoors, you might find him following US college sports or enjoying anything Star Wars-related. From NCAA game days to discussions about the latest Star Wars series, David is always happy to talk sport, science fiction — or both!
Welcome to the team, David!
We're delighted to have David on board and look forward to working with him as we continue to provide compassionate, holistic support to people affected by cancer and their loved ones.
Thank you, David, for choosing to share your knowledge, experience and enthusiasm with the Fountain Centre.
