- UKTS TRUSTEES 2018-2019
Gabriel Theophanous (Chair)
Gabriel is a 41-year-old beta thalassaemia major patient; and has served as President of the Society for the past 8 terms. He works full time in the accounting profession. In 2006 Gabriel became the first person in the world with thalassaemia major to complete a marathon race, a remarkable achievement. In 2013 he repeated this feat when he again completed the London marathon, raising funds for the Society and raising the morale of thalassaemia patients everywhere. Gabriel and his wife became parents with the arrival of their twin boys in April 2016.
Anand Ghattaura (Vice Chair)
Anand has lived with thalassaemia major for the past 30+ years. Though it has been a challenge at times, it has spurred him to succeed in life, particularly through school, university and now in a professional career. Anand has had the experience of being treated at a regional hospital with limited expertise in thalassaemia. He has been fortunate to have a great support network around him in life, and this has encouraged Anand to help others with thalassaemia and to make a difference in the community. As a life member of UKTS, Anand has seen the great work the society has done. Career wise, Anand works in the City of London in brand, marketing and communications (BMC) for one of the Big-4 accountancy firms. In the past, Anand has worked for a number of global accountancy and law firms in BMC. He has also been an active member of the Sikh community in Berkshire.
Oddy Cooper (Treasurer)
Oddy is a 61-year-old mother of three beautiful grown children, one of whom is a patient. She is also a successful businesswoman who, as soon as she was contacted, jumped in with both feet to do all she could for the society. With her help this year, the society was able to pull off a grand gala and awards function and the massive refurbishment being celebrated. She is now firmly committed to the cause and brings a breath of fresh air to the board.
Ashkaan Bandoui (Assistant Treasurer)
Ashkaan Bandoui is a 31-year-old thalassaemia patient, originally from Iran but living in London since he was two months old. He majored in graphic design at university but is currently working as an estate agent. He also enjoys playing the Iranian drum called the DAF which originates from Kurdistan and has been performing with a band for over nine years. Ashkaan joined the board of trustees in 2017 and has been a great addition to the team to date.
Raj Klair (Secretary)
As a 43-year-old beta thalassaemia major patient, Raj has experienced what it’s like to live with the condition and undergo treatment. He joined the board of Trustees three years ago as he wanted to give something back to society believing this was the best way. Raj owns and run a chain of estate agencies in Yorkshire; and as an entrepreneur he understands the importance of organisation, communication and networking. Raj has been striving to apply these key skills from his professional life in order to make a valuable contribution to the governance and future development of the Society.
Rahmatullah Khan Mohammed (Assistant Secretary)
Rahmatullah is an IT engineer with the National Health Service. He developed an interest in the condition very early in life and has spent most of his free time doing research on the disorder. He joined the board of trustees in 2017 to help support the work of the society. Rahmatullah is currently the assistant secretary of the United Kingdom Thalassaemia Society.
