The small TSA team is currently busy rebuilding. As part of this, we’ve been delighted to welcome Jan Burns as our new Head of Fundraising!

Jan takes over this vital role following a wide range of fundraising and financial roles. So people can get to know Jan better, she took some time to write a personal message directly to the TSC community:

“Happy New Year to you all.  I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself.  I’m Jan and have just taken over as Head of Fundraising for the TSA.

A little bit about me: I spent the early part of my career working in the Financial Services Industry. A life changing event took me on a journey into the world of fundraising. I have worked for a Children’s Hospice Charity, an Adult Care Charity and a charity that supports disabled children and their families. Privately I have raised over £130,000 for various charities.

I personally understand first-hand how important charities are. I have been supported by a charity in memory of my little boy, I volunteer for a charity, and I am a Trustee of a charity. I am at my happiest when I am making a difference to people’s lives. From runs and walks to skydiving, I’m always looking for my next challenge. Fundraising isn’t just my job, it’s my passion.

As we enter a new year, people start to think about changes they’d like to make, particularly to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. We all lead such busy lives and it’s nice to have some down-time to concentrate on a hobby or activity.

This year, if you’re thinking of undertaking a physical challenge, we’ve joined forces with Run for Charity and Ultra Challenge. There are lots of options to participate in various runs and events including those that require lots of stamina!

Talking of stamina, I’d like to give a shout out to our team of runners who are undertaking the London Marathon the TSA. They’ll be out in all-weather as their training and distance increase ahead of the event on 23 April 2023.  As a person who nowadays runs no more than 5km I am in awe of their dedication and commitment.

Not everyone enjoys physical challenges. Maybe you’re an avid crafter of baker. Whatever your skill or hobby, if you’ve got an idea and want to turn it into a fundraiser, I’d love to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me: fundraising@tuberous-sclerosis.org.

I look forward to meeting many of you at the Outlook Event in April or the Big Day Event in May. In the meantime, if there’s anything I can help with, please get in touch.