The Trustees of MDS UK are delighted to announce the appointment of Blossom Bell as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st May 2025.

Blossom succeeds Debbie Hickman, who has served as Acting CEO for the past two years and will remain involved with the charity on a part-time basis, continuing to contribute her invaluable knowledge and experience.

Blossom brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to the role.

She has been actively involved with MDS UK for several years, most recently serving as the charity’s Support and Research Lead, where she played a key role in patient advocacy and support initiatives.

Her commitment to the cause is rooted in personal experience—Blossom was diagnosed with MDS as a child and underwent a successful stem cell transplant, an experience that shaped her lifelong passion for patient care and health equity.

Blossom’s professional background spans a wide range of disciplines. Prior to entering the health sector, she held a leadership role in the nautical sector, overseeing operations and logistics in high-pressure environments. Her transition into healthcare was driven by her desire to improve the patient journey for others facing life-threatening conditions. She went on to earn a master’s degree in health psychology and has spent the last four years researching the psychological and clinical challenges faced by patients following stem cell transplantation, as published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship and the Journal of Patient Experience.

Commenting on her new role, Blossom said:

“It’s an honour to be appointed CEO of MDS UK, an organisation that has been so instrumental in my own journey. I’m passionate about ensuring that all MDS patients—no matter their age, background, or prognosis—feel heard, supported, and empowered. I look forward to building on the incredible foundation laid by Debbie and the team, and to working collaboratively with patients, families, clinicians, and researchers to drive forward meaningful change.”

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Tony Allen, added:

“I am thrilled to welcome Blossom as our new CEO to lead us into the next chapter of our story of supporting those affected by MDS and CMML. The trustees will ensure that Blossom has the necessary support to enable her to achieve her ambition for the charity.
The Trustees would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Debbie Hickman, whose dedication and leadership over the past few years has been instrumental in strengthening the charity’s services and outreach. Her continued involvement ensures a smooth transition and provides ongoing strategic support”.

As Blossom takes the helm, MDS UK remains committed to its mission: providing information, support, and advocacy for all those affected by MDS and CMML.