Blossom Bell – CEO
Blossom became CEO of MDS UK on 1st May 2025. She brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to the role.
Blossom has been actively involved with the charity for several years, most recently serving as 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.
Blossom Bell
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.
Outside of work, Blossom is a keen hiker and is just 24 miles from completing the 110-mile Cleveland Way. One day, she hopes to take on the Coast to Coast – a stunning trail stretching across England from the Irish Sea to the North Sea.
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.
