Ambassadors
Helping support
young people with cancer
Since its creation, the MCA Trust has never given away ambassadorial roles lightly. We have always wanted these roles to be filled by people who can make a considerable contribution, not monetary, but with passion, ability, and compassion.
Meet our Ambassadors
Our ambassadors play a vital role and have been chosen for a myriad of reasons. Those listed below are well-known to us for their passion, ability and compassion.
Jeff Watson
I am a Dagenham lad brought up with an older sister and brother, Beam and Priory developed my educational skills, but mostly I just loved sport, anytime I could play sport I'd volunteer, and not a lot has changed.
I’m married to Karen and just passed our 32nd anniversary. We are blessed with 2 children, Callum and Sophie, who are both forging ahead in their own careers, which gives us a great sense of pride. I have recently become a new grandad and work as a financial adviser and have done so for 37 years. I love my work and am lucky to work with friends as much as they are colleagues.
I write the odd poem as a means of switching off and enjoy films when no sport is on, I still play the occasional game of football, love my golf, and badminton has been an ever-present in my life, although I play less regularly than I should. Family and friends are most important, followed by a desire to be of value to the world in which we live. Overall, I’d like to think I am a decent, honest hard working man with a great sense of humour, stunning good looks, who will one day fulfil his potential. If I were a test result, I think B+ would about cover it.
I write the odd poem as a means of switching off and enjoy films when no sport is on, I still play the occasional game of football, love my golf, and badminton has been an ever-present in my life, although I play less regularly than I should. Family and friends are most important, followed by a desire to be of value to the world in which we live. Overall, I’d like to think I am a decent, honest hard working man with a great sense of humour, stunning good looks, who will one day fulfil his potential. If I were a test result, I think B+ would about cover it.
Chris Illingworth
Chris arrived in London in 1997 with plans to explore the city, save some money, and continue travelling the world—only to discover how expensive London is and how modest his wages were. That twist of fate led to a career in the travel industry, where he was fortunate to travel globally for work and, more importantly, meet his wife, Sam.
Now Head of Operations at Tour Axis, Chris oversees the logistics behind group tours across Europe and beyond. He’s also a dedicated father to Ruby (19) and Ava (15), both of whom are actively involved with the MCA Trust—often performing and, most recently, taking part in the Maldon Mud Run.
Chris was recruited into the MCA Trust in true grassroots fashion—at a family dinner, when Keith looked him up and down and declared, “You’re a big lad, you could fill our Mickey the Lion mascot costume.” Since then, he’s become a reliable all-rounder, helping with everything from Golf Day photography to ticket scanning. He’s particularly passionate about the MCA Education Initiative, firmly believing that no child should face educational disadvantage because of cancer. A keen sports enthusiast (though not always as skilled as he claims), Chris enjoys a variety of activities and can often be spotted doing cani-cross—running with his dog. He’s also a proud supporter of Liverpool Football Club, which puts him at an advantage over most of the other MCA members.
Chris was recruited into the MCA Trust in true grassroots fashion—at a family dinner, when Keith looked him up and down and declared, “You’re a big lad, you could fill our Mickey the Lion mascot costume.” Since then, he’s become a reliable all-rounder, helping with everything from Golf Day photography to ticket scanning. He’s particularly passionate about the MCA Education Initiative, firmly believing that no child should face educational disadvantage because of cancer. A keen sports enthusiast (though not always as skilled as he claims), Chris enjoys a variety of activities and can often be spotted doing cani-cross—running with his dog. He’s also a proud supporter of Liverpool Football Club, which puts him at an advantage over most of the other MCA members.
Laura Thomson
Laura Thomson is a Paediatric Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist with over 21 years of nursing experience. Inspired by a lifelong dream to care for others, she has worked within paediatric cancer since 2009 at Great Ormond Street before returning to Queens Hospital in 2017. Passionate about supporting children and their families through the toughest treatments, Laura is devoted to bringing comfort, a sense of normality, and even moments of joy to their lives.
Outside the hospital, Laura is a proud mum to Penny (12) and Elizabeth (4) and has taken part in various charitable causes and quite likes a challenge from the children—from muddy fun runs, the magical taxi tour to Disneyland and football pitch sleep-outs (much to her husband’s disapproval in the rain) to cheering on her daughters as they donated their hair to the Princess Trust. A chance meeting with Keith after an invitation to a black-tie event turned into an unforgettable connection; she instantly knew she’d never get rid of him (not that she’d want to). His zest, and the deep meaning the charity held for him and his family, struck a chord. She felt he recognised in her the same passion—for children, families, and making a difference.
Outside the hospital, Laura is a proud mum to Penny (12) and Elizabeth (4) and has taken part in various charitable causes and quite likes a challenge from the children—from muddy fun runs, the magical taxi tour to Disneyland and football pitch sleep-outs (much to her husband’s disapproval in the rain) to cheering on her daughters as they donated their hair to the Princess Trust. A chance meeting with Keith after an invitation to a black-tie event turned into an unforgettable connection; she instantly knew she’d never get rid of him (not that she’d want to). His zest, and the deep meaning the charity held for him and his family, struck a chord. She felt he recognised in her the same passion—for children, families, and making a difference.
Andy Harker
My name is Andy, and I'm incredibly proud to support the MCA Trust. My wife and I are parents to two awesome and autistic sons, that make me smile every day.
I've worked for the Financial Ombudsman Service for 13 years as a Business Analyst; this is where I met James, who introduced me to the MCA. In my down time, I enjoy hacking my way around a golf course, jogging and trying my hand at woodworking.
Zain Falzon
D.O.B: 6/7/12
Team: Tottenham Hotspur
Clubs: Finesse, West Ham, Ipswich
Subjects: Maths, P.E
Fun Fact: Was in the Disney Film "Christopher Robin"
Other Hobbies: LEGO
Ambition: Career in Football
Awards: Jack Petchey (Resilience)
Zain is an incredible young man whose passion for sport, and football in particular, shines through in everything he does. An avid fan of the game, his knowledge and insight far exceed his years, making conversations with him about football both engaging and inspiring. Beyond his love for the sport, Zain is known for his kind and warm nature. Polite, thoughtful, and well-rounded, he carries himself with a maturity that sets him apart. Despite the challenges he has faced, Zain has never allowed obstacles to stand in the way of his dreams. His determination to pursue a future within the world of football is unwavering. Recently, Zain has embraced the joy of returning to school, where he is thriving academically and socially, as well as stepping back onto the pitch to play the game he loves. His resilience, strength, and maturity over the last few years are nothing short of inspiring — a powerful reminder to all of us that setbacks can be overcome with courage and perseverance. Zain’s journey is one of hope, determination, and passion. With his character and drive, there is no doubt he has a bright future ahead, both in football and in life.
Team: Tottenham Hotspur
Clubs: Finesse, West Ham, Ipswich
Subjects: Maths, P.E
Fun Fact: Was in the Disney Film "Christopher Robin"
Other Hobbies: LEGO
Ambition: Career in Football
Awards: Jack Petchey (Resilience)
Zain is an incredible young man whose passion for sport, and football in particular, shines through in everything he does. An avid fan of the game, his knowledge and insight far exceed his years, making conversations with him about football both engaging and inspiring. Beyond his love for the sport, Zain is known for his kind and warm nature. Polite, thoughtful, and well-rounded, he carries himself with a maturity that sets him apart. Despite the challenges he has faced, Zain has never allowed obstacles to stand in the way of his dreams. His determination to pursue a future within the world of football is unwavering. Recently, Zain has embraced the joy of returning to school, where he is thriving academically and socially, as well as stepping back onto the pitch to play the game he loves. His resilience, strength, and maturity over the last few years are nothing short of inspiring — a powerful reminder to all of us that setbacks can be overcome with courage and perseverance. Zain’s journey is one of hope, determination, and passion. With his character and drive, there is no doubt he has a bright future ahead, both in football and in life.
