The Medical Advisory Board (MAB) provides independent clinical and lived-experience expertise to support The Robin Cancer Trust (RCT) in delivering accurate, safe, and impactful services, campaigns, and communications.

The MAB exists to:

• Ensure all patient-facing information is clinically accurate, evidence-based, and appropriate for RCT’s target audience.

• Inform the development of education, support services, and future clinical or research priorities.

• Strengthen the clinical credibility and integrity of RCT’s work across awareness, partnerships, and public engagement.

• Provide a bridge between clinical practice, lived experience, and community engagement.

As a charity, we are delighted to introduce the board. Read on as they share their stories and motivations for joining our vital team.

Dr Jonathan Shamash - Consultant Medical Oncologist

'I am a consultant medical oncologist specialising in the treatment of germ cell tumours. I chair the Anglian Supraregional germ cell tumour network and have published on the treatment of germ cell tumours. I have led various phase 2 studies and collaborated in National and International studies.

My interests include de-escalation of treatment in low-risk metastatic disease and the treatment of refractory germ cell tumours with the use of intensive chemotherapy including high dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation.'

Gwen Saalmink - Research Oncology Nurse

'I am a Senior Research Nurse in Oncology in Leeds. I am interested in improving follow-up care for Germ Cell cancer patients and have been successful in gaining an NIHR funded PhD to develop a new model of nurse-led follow-up after curative germ cell tumour treatment. 

My main passion is research and how this can be used to improve the lives of patients, in areas such as developing new treatments, prevention and diagnosis, quality of life, patient empowerment and tackling health inequalities.

I am therefore very excited to be a part of the Medical Advisory Board and advising on research projects and developments that truly make a difference.'

Hannah Ruthven - Psychotherapist

'I am a Humanistic Psychotherapist (UKCP Acc.), I trained at Metanoia Institute and work at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust as a Specialist Counsellor for patients being treated for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease and Malignant Ovarian and Testicular Germ Cell Cancer.  Prior to this I worked with cancer patients and their families through Macmillan and St Joseph's Hospice.  

I am trained to work with a variety of psychological and emotional presentations.  My role in the NHS is to meet patients at the most vulnerable moments of their life and support them through diagnostic and treatment pathways to ensure they feel supported, and also learn how to best support themselves.  This is incredibly rewarding.  I am passionate about discovering new ways to improve the patient experience through individual support, building communities, staff support and training, and I look forward to supporting the Medical Advisory Board.'

Natashia Cedeno - RCT Trustee/CNS

'I am a Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Gestational Trophoblastic Disease and Ovarian Germ Cell Service at Charing Cross Hospital, London, supporting patients through diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for these rare conditions.

With over 20 years in oncology across breast, gynaecology, head and neck, brain, and acute oncology, I have developed a broad understanding of cancer care and a deep passion for supporting patients and their families.

I recently joined the Medical Advisory Board for the Robin Cancer Trust, following a year as a Trustee, and I also serve as a school governor. Since 2023, I have been a member of the National Germ Cell Group, keeping closely connected to advances in care for these rare cancers.

Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in improving patient experience, contributing to peer review, co-chairing professional groups, and supporting research, fundraising, and literature reviews. My focus remains on delivering compassionate, patient-centred care and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.'

Sara Hawkins - RCT Trustee/Patient Rep

'In 2018, I was diagnosed with Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer (Immature Teratoma). 

Since diagnosis, I volunteer as a Trustee at The Robin Cancer Trust and am part of the charity's Patient/Thriver Forum and the Medical Advisory Board as a patient representative.

I bring an informed perspective by sharing my lived experience.  I am a passionate advocate for strengthening patient communities, shaping charity initiatives and improving access to care by ensuring patient voices are represented.'

Sophie Randall - Director - PIF Tick

'I am director of the Patient Information Forum (PIF) and have four grown-up children. Two have had germ cell tumours. My daughter Rosa had an ovarian tumour at just 16. In 2025, and my youngest son, George was treated for testicular cancer and is still under surveillance. Both are doing well.

I have in health information for more than 25 years and I am passionate about people’s right to user-friendly information to make sense of their health. I am an advocate for children and young people’s involvement in decision making and care. 

Before working at PIF, I ran a healthcare communications agency and specialised in information for children and young people with long term conditions. 

Being a parent of a young person with cancer is incredibly hard. Diagnosis comes as a huge shock and impacts the whole family. Parents must find a delicate balance of supporting young adults through the journey, knowing when to step in and when to step back, while managing their own emotional wellbeing.'