After graduating in Modern Languages and training as a tri-lingual secretary/PA, Claudia worked in a wide range of industries before finishing her working career as PA to the Headmistress of an independent school.
Diagnosed with MDS-MLD in 2009, she has to-date received supportive care only, but was referred to a Centre of Excellence in 2011. It was there her involvement with MDS UK began.
After supporting and organising fundraising events for a number of years, she volunteered for the role of patient co-ordinator of the Oxford local patient support group. This led to an opportunity to give a personal “patient’s perspective” on MDS at a Thames Valley training day, to manning the MDS UK stand at London-based conferences, and – as a user of iron chelation treatment - attending a European pharmaceutical Advisory Board as a Patient Representative.
Having herself received no written information about MDS prior to contact with MDS UK, Claudia is determined that other patients – and particularly newly-diagnosed patients - have access to honest and clearly-understandable information about their condition.
Claudia Richards
She has therefore been happy to be involved in proofreading and reviewing MDS UK publications, as well as contributing to the charity’s patient and public involvement (PPI) work.
Claudia has been a Trustee of MDS UK since 2016 and has recently taken on the role of Secretary to the Board of Trustees. In her “spare” time, she enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren, researching her Cornish heritage and singing in a small mixed harmony choir.
