Meet the Gifts in Wills team

Pronouns

• She/Her

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in History of Art
• Certificate in Charity Legacy Administration
• Member of the Institute of Legacy Management.

Work History

Anna started her career working in customer relations and middle office for Investment Management companies.

She started working in the charity sector following a career break. Anna worked at UNICEF after the 2004 tsunami, then moved into legacy administration at RNID and joined Macmillan in 2008.

Areas of expertise

Anna has many years’ experience in legacy administration and is particularly interested in demystifying estate administration for lay executors.

Outside of work

Anna lives in East Anglia with her family and spends her spare time walking her dog, outdoor swimming, enjoying art and music, and exploring France.

Connect with Anna on social media:

• LinkedIn.

Pronouns

• He/Him

Work History

Chris has worked for a number of national charities during his career including Voluntary Services Overseas, Cancer Research UK, Oxfam GB and the Stroke Association, in various supporter facing relationship management / event management roles. Chris joined Macmillan in 2022 and has focussed on developing Macmillan’s Legacy events programme and exploring opportunities to recognise our legacy pledgers via appropriate events and activities. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Chris for more information about our legacy events.

Outside of work

Chris is based in the South West with his Family. When time allows, Chris enjoys mountain biking, paddle boarding and surfing although a busy family life involving lots of sport and some dog walking often dominates! Chris has worked and travelled in Asia and Africa and loves to travel and explore the world further when possible.

Connect with Chris on social media:

LinkedIn

Pronouns

• She/Her

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, Law and Society
• Certificate in Charity Legacy Administration
• Member of the Institute of Legacy Management.

Work History

Emma worked as a legal assistant in the probate department at a law firm for over 2 years. She then worked at Age UK as a friendship coordinator for 1 year before joining Macmillan in 2021 as a legacy income assistant. She is now a legacy officer.

Areas of expertise

Emma mainly deals with pecuniary gifts and residuary gifts. She works with solicitors and lay executors. Emma leads the legacy officer external engagement group which brings legacy officers from different charities together.

Outside of work

Emma is an avid reader. She also plays netball competitively. Emma enjoys exploring new places and going for walks. She likes trying new food and cooking.

Connect with Emma on social media:

• LinkedIn.

Pronouns

• He/Him

Qualifications

• Chair of Institute of Legacy Management since 2021
• Master's degree, Law.

Work History

Before joining Macmillan in 2012, James worked as a Trust Officer managing 450 life interest trusts at Cancer Research UK (CRUK). At Macmillan, James first worked as a Senior Legacy Manager before becoming Head of Legacy Income in 2016.

Areas of expertise

James led the charity sector response to the Law Commission about the disposal of charity land and ex gratia payments. He leads on sector communication with HM Courts & Tribunals Service and works with the Charity Commission and Financial Reporting council on accounting guidelines on legacies.

Outside of work

James has been married to Nell for 13 years. They have two active and growing boys. James loves golf, padel tennis and surfing - and jokes that he spends too much time playing chess on his phone. 

Connect with James on social media:

• LinkedIn.

Pronouns

• She/Her

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor
• Certificate in Charity Legacy Administration
• Member of the Institute of Legacy Management.

Work History

Before joining Macmillan, Johanna worked in archaeological conservation. She worked in the Middle East and in the UK, in academic institutions, museums and heritage organisations. Johanna also worked as a solicitor working in projects and the rail industry, and ran her own business dealing in twentieth century antiques and art. Johanna entered the charity sector 8 years ago as a volunteer for:

• Gardening Leave
• Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
• CRUK
• Macmillan.

Areas of expertise

Johanna has a wide range of interests including GDPR, chattels (particularly cars), and ex gratia projects, aiming to maximise kind bequests to Macmillan and build good relationships with stakeholders.

Outside of work

Johanna enjoys travel and exploration and is 'never happier' than wandering along the aisles of gallery or museum, or climbing the stairs of an ancient monument. She also enjoys drawing and painting.

Connect with Johanna on social media:

• LinkedIn.

Pronouns

• She/Her

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Linguistics
• Certificate in Charity Legacy Administration
• Member of the Institute of Legacy Management.

Work History

Kirsty started her working life in banking and moved into Charity Legacy Administration in 2012. She started out managing legacy gifts and now leads the operations side of the team helping to ensure we work in the best way we can.

Areas of expertise

Kirsty is passionate about supporting the team and those we work with whether that be by managing or mentoring members of the team or by helping improve the way we work to best meet the needs of those we work with.

Outside of work

Kirsty lives in the Peak District. She is married and has a young and very energetic son. She doesn’t get much free time but when she does get some, she enjoys spending it with her friends and family, walking in the local countryside or writing.

Connect with Kirsty on social media:

• LinkedIn.

Pronouns

• She/Her

Work History

Lucy joined Macmillan in 2017 after working in fundraising and marketing for a number of other charities. Lucy said, “leaving a gift in your will or donating in memory of a loved one is such a personal and meaningful way to give. I am inspired every single day by our incredible supporters who choose to give in this way. Lucy works closely with our trusted Free Will Service partners to ensure they are providing the best possible service.

Outside of work

Lucy lives with her husband, two daughters and puppy in West London. As a military spouse, Lucy has been lucky to experience living in lots of lovely places, but she’s most at home in the countryside or as close to nature as possible.

Pronouns

• She/Her

Qualifications

• South African qualified Solicitor, Conveyancer and Notary
• STEP Cross Border Estate Advanced Certificate
• Certificate in Charity Legacy Administration
• Member of the Institute of Legacy Management.

Work History

Michelle practised law in South Africa before moving to England and joining the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (DNID) in 2015. In 2017, Michelle joined Macmillan as a legacy manager and became the senior legacy income manager in 2019.

Areas of expertise

Cross-border estates, which are estates where there are assets and succession in various countries.

Outside of work

Michelle is married and has 2 little boys aged 3 and 1. She loves the countryside, cooking and baking, and spending quality time with her family. Her favourite 'guilty' treat is 90% cocoa dark chocolate.

Connect with Michelle on social media:

• LinkedIn.

Pronouns

• She/Her

Qualifications

• Certificate in Charity Legacy Administration
• Member of the Institute of Legacy Management.

Work History

Nicola worked in a firm of solicitors dealing with conveyancing. She also worked in a variety of other roles including organising Ofsted inspections, as a listing officers in a Magistrates Court, and for a building society mortage centre. Nicola started working in legacies for the Salvation Army in 1998. She joined Macmillan in 2008 as a legacy manager and was promoted to senior legacy manager in 2016.

Areas of expertise

Nicola has a wide range of knowledge in all areas of legacy administration including dealing with estates where Macmillan are the personal representatives and looking at inheritance tax calculations.

Outside of work

Nicola lives in Devon with her two cats. She enjoys being close to the sea and Dartmoor National Park. Nicola is a singer and member of the Exeter Choral Society. She also enjoys reading and is part of a local book club.

Connect with Nicola on social media:

• LinkedIn.

Pronouns

• She/Her

Work History

Sarah joined Macmillan in 2025 after finishing her Master of Arts in Brands, Communication & Culture. Sarah said, “I’ve worked in communications, marketing, and public relations for a wide variety of organisations, and I think I’ve found my calling in the charity sector and in fundraising! I’m honoured to be a part of so many generous people’s journeys with Macmillan and hope to help create a lasting impact on the lives of people living with cancer.” Reach out to Sarah for more information about our will writing service or leaving a gift in your will.

Outside of work

Sarah moved from her hometown in Colorado, USA to London for her master’s degree programme, and has now settled down in southeast London with her British partner. Sarah and her partner are paw-rents to their black cat Daisy, and you’ll often find them hiking, cycling, and attempting YouTube-inspired DIY projects around their house.

Connect with Sarah on social media:

LinkedIn

Pronouns

• He/Him

Work History

Steve joined Macmillan in 2021 and has been a professional fundraiser since 2013. Steve said, “it is a privilege to work with people thinking about leaving a gift in their will to Macmillan to keep them informed of how their support will change lives. Gifts in Wills fund over a third of everything the charity does, and so we work hard to ensure that everyone we communicate with gets a great experience.”

Outside of work

Steve grew up on the South coast and loves anything that gets him on the water. Now living in North London, he enjoys time spent with friends and family and can be found exploring London’s history and architecture.