WHO
WE ARE
PATIENT-LED.
PERSON-CENTRED
MEET THE
BOARD.
Joel Nelson
Founder and Chair
Lives with Psoriatic-associated Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Chronic Pain.
An award-winning patient advocate, Joel shares his lived experience with psoriatic disease, pain and associated mental health challenges to educate whilst helping others feel less alone.
Telling his story on stages around the world, he also hosts a podcast and talk show, where he facilitates conversations to help others share theirs. Through his candid approach, he is building a growing global community of peer support and awareness for both those living with chronic conditions and those who support them.
Joel is also a manager and Peer Leader in the NHS and a member of the British Medical Association's Patient Liaison Group Board
Anita Nelson
Founding Trustee, Secretary, and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Caregiver for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
A committed NHS healthcare professional for over 10 years, Anita is passionate about shared decision-making and caregivers. She works tirelessly to ensure that we include those 'around the patient' in everything that we do.
Affectionately referred to as 'Mumma Mod' in the community, Anita can often be found doing the unseen side of our patient support work, keeping people safe on our social media and community spaces.
She keeps Joel and his big ideas in check.
Craig Young
Founding Trustee
Lives with Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriasis, IBS and Chronic Pain.
Craig shares his story and educates people in the workplace about psoriatic disease and how it impacts work and ordinary life.
Craig's profession is digital marketing, but he also comes from a sports science background, so he is a big advocate for exercise and its ability to improve physical and mental health.
Matthew Mayers
Founding Trustee
Lives with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain.
Matthew developed ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia at the age of 14 after a viral illness. He has little recollection of the first four years, most of it spent in a medication-induced stupor. Now, pain medication-free, he is still learning to live with fatigue, pain, and depression and develop strategies to achieve as normal a life as possible.
As a young person struggling with a debilitating illness, Matthew has faced the stigma of chronic pain and invisible illness and the isolation that often comes with it. He uses computer gaming not only to distract from his pain but also to make connections and escape the loneliness of chronic illness. This approach to managing his pain has not only helped him but also helped others, creating a peer support network for those involved.
Today, Matthew proudly runs support groups and raises awareness for chronic pain.
Aidan Davies
Founding Trustee
Lives with Psoriasis and Enthesitis-Related Arthritis.
Aidan began showing symptoms of both arthritis and psoriasis around the age of 9, which were both undiagnosed and untreated until a bad flare up at 13 left him with joint damage and on crutches for 6 months. This led to a diagnosis of arthritis, and a prescription for biologics. It would take another 5 years for him to be diagnosed with psoriasis.
Like many with chronic illnesses, he has struggled with the isolation of being unwell and has always used online socialisation to combat this. Since 2021 Aidan has been a member of Joel’s Peer support community and has seen the benefits that staying social with chronic illness has on both mental and physical health. As such he is a passionate believer in having these spaces available for people who struggle to be social elsewhere.
OUR OPERATIONAL VOLUNTEERS.
Vicky Shaw
Development Support Volunteer
Lives with Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis as well as Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Sleep Apnea, Hypertension, Meibomian Gland Eye Disease, and Spondylolisthesis.
Vicky has worked in both Finance and the Charity sector for over 25 years, specialising in digital inclusion, working as a project manager in this field.
She has a great passion for and extensive experience with Assistive Technology, including testing.
With a passion and strong experience in fundraising, Vicky is a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and is invaluable in helping Psoriatic Disease UK develop funding opportunities and build strong relationships with our partners.
Vicky is a mature student of The Open University, studying Health and Social Care, and a mum to two girls who are her world.
Catherine Dolan
Support Group Moderator
Lives with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis, as well as Type 1 Diabetes
Catherine has lived with psoriasis for her whole life, and has moderated online support spaces for psoriatic disease since 2009. She found her passion for moderation through her conditions: At the age of 21, Catherine developed a 'mystery' illness that left her bedridden. Feeling traumatised by these new symptoms, she attempted to find comfort in what she knew - psoriasis. She joined an online support community for psoriasis and quickly became a member of the admin team. Eventually, after five years of symptoms, Catherine was told that the mystery illness that had impacted her daily life so severely was psoriatic arthritis. She is passionate about maintaining safe spaces for people with psoriatic disease to find support and information.
In her spare time, Catherine cares for her disabled sister and enjoys playing video games!