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Meet the TSA support line advisers

Get to know Anna and Rachel, our friendly support line advisers

Our small and friendly Support and Information team is here for the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) community, helping you overcome any hurdle with their passion, understanding and knowledge.

Anna and Amy, our support line advisers, are on the other end of the Tuberous Sclerosis Association (TSA) support line if you choose to ring, email or send a letter.

Here, you can find out a bit more about Anna and Amy, and why they are passionate about supporting the TSC community.

Anna Gaunt

“Hello to everyone in the TSC community! I’m Anna and I’m the Support Line Manager at the TSA.

I have worked in a range of information roles and have also written for various publications, all of them focused on disability, health and wellbeing – my specialisms for many years. I have been a support line contact for another health charity for the past four years, giving me an insight into how best to support people living with complex health conditions, like TSC.

I am also on a steering group for research projects into healthcare, which has allowed me to help ensure that the voices of people living with different conditions are heard.

My hobbies include exploring the amazing countryside near where I live in Derbyshire, enjoying a good book with a cup of tea (I’m a big bookworm!) and visiting cute animals at a nearby farm – I love seeing the goats as I’m an animal lover. I even have a house rabbit called Freddie, who keeps me busy!

I am very excited to be a part of the TSA team and to be a part of delivering the charity’s objectives of providing help for today and a cure for tomorrow.

But, most importantly, I’m looking forward to supporting people whose lives are affected by TSC and being a listening ear on the support line. I’m also excited to meet some of you at upcoming TSA events.”

– Anna

“I understand the importance of being able to access timely and relevant information and support, especially when times are difficult. My passion and expertise for supporting people is why I decided to join the TSA.”

Anna Gaunt, TSA Support Line Manager

Amy Duncan

“Hello everyone! My name is Amy and I’m a support line adviser at the TSA.

I’ve always been passionate about roles that involve helping people. For 7 years, I worked in the control room of a fire service. There, I handled 999 calls, dispatched crews, and coordinated responses to significant incidents. Taking 999 calls, though challenging, was deeply rewarding. I had the privilege of speaking with individuals during some of their most distressing moments, helping to keep them safe.

My next role involged coordinating projects at a local charity. This focused on supporting vulnerable adults in the community. I worked closely with individuals and their families who felt isolated due to medical and mental health conditions. My goal was to help them access essential services and reintegrate into the community when possible. I collaborated with a dedicated team of volunteers who undertook tasks like befriending and shopping for those confined to their homes. Engaging with the people we assisted was a highlight for me, as I cherished listening to their stories and offering necessary support.

On a personal note, I have an autistic daughter. We’re navigating our unique journey, exploring the possibility of a genetic condition that might be causing her other medical symptoms. The path has, at times, been emotionally and practically challenging. This experience allows me to deeply empathize with other families on similar journeys.

In my leisure time, I cherish moments with my family. My daughter, with her adventurous spirit, often leads us outdoors accompanied by our dogs. Living near a canal and river has inspired us to invest in paddleboards, laying the foundation for more family escapades. I also indulge in reading and crocheting whenever time permits. I’m driven by a passion to ensure that the TSC community receives equitable treatment and has access to quality healthcare, education, and activities.”

– Amy

“I’m driven by a passion to ensure that the TSC community receives equitable treatment and has access to quality healthcare, education, and activities.”

Amy Duncan, TSA Support Line Adviser

Anna and Amy are part of the TSA team. If you contact our support line, you might speak to Anna or Amy. You can find out more about Anna and Amy here.

Anna Gaunt

“Hello TSC community! I’m Anna and I’m a Support Line Adviser at the TSA.

I have been a support line adviser before. This has helped me to know how to support people living with TSC.

I like exploring the countryside, reading books and drinking cups of tea. I also love animals!

I am proud to be part of the TSA team.

I’m looking forward to supporting people living with TSC on the support line. I’m also excited to meet some of you at TSA events.”

Amy Duncan

“Hello everyone! My name is Amy, and I want to support you.

I have lots of experience of helping people. I answered the phone for people who needed the fire brigade, helping them to stay safe and keep calm. At another job, I helped people to feel less lonely.

My daughter is autistic. This means she experiences the world differently. Lots of people with TSC are also autistic.

I love spending time with my family.”

Make a one off or regular  donation

£10 Can allow us to send a welcome pack to a family who has just received a life-changing TSC diagnosis, ensuring that they do not go through this time alone.

£25 Can help us develop materials that are included in our support services, flagship events or campaigns.

£50 Can provide laboratory equipment for a day’s research into the causes, symptoms, management or treatment of TSC.

To provide help for today and a cure for tomorrow