It’s all change for us here at ANH-Intl HQ in Dorking, Surrey, UK. We’re saying a huge thank you and goodbye to Sophie Middleton, who’s decided, after almost a year of maternity leave, that full time work and a small child are not compatible. We'd also like to say a big thank you and goodbye to Yvonne England, who’s moving on to pastures new at the end of September, after 8 years of committed and dedicated service. As sorry as we are to see Sophie and Yvonne move on, we say a warm welcome to Mark, Melissa and Charlie who are ably equipped to step into the breach and support our rapidly expanding remit. We’ve asked them all the same 9 questions so you can get a head start on getting to know them. Here’s what they had to say:

 

MARK KILLICK – Technical & Strategic Relations Manager

Describe yourself in under 50 words

My name is Mark Killick and I’m the Technical and Strategic Relations Manager for the Alliance for Natural Health. I live life with passion and a gratitude for all the experiences that have crossed my path. I’m somebody that welcomes challenges as they are what makes life interesting and overcoming them makes life meaningful.

What drew you to joining ANH-Intl?

Chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer are not contagious and are largely preventable. Diet and Lifestyle play a huge role in the development of chronic disease. Whilst our National Health Service is buckling under this strain, the Alliance for Natural Health International continues to educate, inform, research and campaign across a wide range of fields relating to natural health and the development of sustainable healthcare systems. It was this philosophy that made me want to join.

What do you hope to contribute to ANH’s mission?

It is important to protect the freedom of choice of the individual when it comes to healthcare. The freedom to choose food supplements and herbs, the freedom to choose to vaccinate or not, the freedom of choice in how our foods are grown. My previous experience means that I am able to help protect these freedoms using the argument of good science against any authorities that may wish to restrict these freedoms.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment to-date?

Life is such a journey that makes that hard to answer. Finding happiness and life purpose. An achievement of which I’m particularly proud is my Administration of the Estate of Chelsea vice-chairman, Matthew Harding, and in particular when Chelsea’s future was secured by selling Matthew’s shareholding to Roman Abramovich.

If you could change something in the world, what would it be?

I feel that we are going through massive change at the moment and feel positive for the future. I would definitely bring climate change to the forefront again. In this country I don’t feel that we take the problem seriously enough and was perplexed when the Department of Energy and Climate Change was disbanded. The world urgently needs to invest in renewable energy.

How important is natural health to you as an individual?

Extremely important. I see so many people end up living long lives in ill health on a cocktail of prescribed drugs. Our environment, diet and lifestyle have a huge impact on the quality of our life and our health. To live life optimally I make sure that I eat a nutrient rich diet, exercise regularly, meditate daily and get quality sleep.

What’s your first day at ANH been like?

My first day was amazing. Between myself and ANH International Executive Director, Rob Verkerk, we put the World to Rights!

What’s your favourite food?

I will have to tell you about a curry that I had on a trip to India. It was made with red snapper fish and cooked with spices such as tamarind, turmeric, fresh curry leaves and coriander. The sauce was rich tomato with fresh green chillies. I can still taste it to this day. Generally I love foods that are cooked with colour, herbs and spices.

What are some of your most favourite things to do in your spare time?

Most people walk the Camino de Santiago from the Pyrenees in France across the whole of Northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela in one go. A journey of around 800km. However, when they get there they are disappointed that their pilgrimage is over. I however, have found myself walking it in stages which means my journey goes on. There are also still some places in the UK where you can “wild” camp, and enjoy nature in its raw form. So walking, hiking and generally being in nature are some of my favourite things to do.

 

MELISSA SMITH – Outreach & Communications Officer

Describe yourself in under 50 words

A bit mad round the edges! I’m passionate about natural health, am hard working, caring, conscientious and very efficient!! I always put 120% into everything I do, am very patient, try to look at the positive side of life and will do my best help & support others where I can

What drew you to joining ANH-Intl?

To be able to get up each morning and know that the job I’m doing will make a difference to other people’s lives and health through promoting natural health.

What do you hope to contribute to ANH’s mission?

My passion and enthusiasm for natural health and my love of sharing that passion with others.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment to-date?

Qualifying as a Nutritional Therapist despite challenging personal circumstances at the time.

If you could change something in the world, what would it be?

To get people to take responsibility for their own health, rather than always looking for a magic pill.

How important is natural health to you as an individual?

It’s my life from my food choices to the reduction of chemical use in the home, garden and personally. I could never go back to a ‘normal’ way of life, it made me ill.

What’s your first day at ANH been like?

Fascinating, exciting, liberating and a bit scary! I’m so excited to be able to work in the area I’m passionate about.

What’s your favourite food?

Vegetables of all kinds.

What are some of your most favourite things to do in your spare time?

What’s spare time? Spending time with family and friends (feeding them whenever I can), gardening, reading (usually something about natural health!). I also run a Cub Pack in any leftover time.

 

CHARLIE JONES – Communications Specialist

Describe yourself in under 50 words

I’ve always had a great love for art and music – most of my hobbies revolving around digital and audio-based media. I was equally enamoured by writing from a young age, which eventually lead to my training as a journalist and the work I do now!

What drew you to joining ANH-Intl?

The Alliance for Natural Health offers both a great platform to speak out about the issues that really affect the public’s health and diet, whilst also providing the freedom to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are passionate and experienced in the work they do. At being given the opportunity, it was a great chance to not only hone my own abilities, but to also direct them into a meaningful field where they could potentially make a beneficial change to established thinking around healthcare.

What do you hope to contribute to ANH’s mission?

This position within the organisation will hopefully allow me to discover and work on different methods of engaging with our ever-growing audience and help increase the appeal to the younger generations. Using my skills in writing, editing and illustration, I want to strengthen the output of the ANH’s online presence to make sure their message is heard in the most optimal fashion, be it through articles, video or artwork.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment to-date?

My greatest accomplishment would most likely have to lie in being able to focus on my interests and hobbies in a professional setting, allowing me to expand and enhance my crafts legitimately on a daily basis. It’s rare to secure both work and pleasure together, so it has certainly been lucky to have found a home with the ANH family.

If you could change something in the world, what would it be?

Implementing much greater focus on creativity and education as a freely accessible resource to the public at large. Much of recent history has been dominated by conflict and war, so it is a shame to often see issues arise where understanding and willingness to debate could have defused a problem entirely. The ability to empathise and solve should be at the forefront of our future learning.

How important is natural health to you as an individual?

I have always been wary of the quick-prescription nature that has dominated mainstream healthcare, so the research and ability to strengthen and control your body’s well-being is hugely important to me. Between the prospect of regularly ingesting chemicals to eradicate an affliction, or maintaining a healthy biological system to prevent that from happening in the first place, the choice is instantly clear.

What’s your first couple of months at ANH been like?

Very positive and ultimately engaging. It is a great pleasure to work with an intimate selection of experienced individuals, who all share a great knowledge and humour that transcends a mere workplace basis.

What’s your favourite food?

I am a huge fan of seafood, particularly shellfish, however I have been often known to forget meals during the day – I can be very easily distracted!

What are some of your most favourite things to do in your spare time?

I am a very social person, regularly meeting friends to chat, or to play music together – I have been performing bass guitar for years. Otherwise, I can usually be found experimenting with digital art techniques, or relaxing with a good film – an activity my cat is always happy to take advantage of!

 

Sharing 'a moment' with the new ANH-Intl team. Charlie Jones and Paul Harris were with us in spirit!

 

ANH-Intl 'About Us' page

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