About us

Women On the Move Against Cancer (WOMAC) comprises Committee and Supporters. Committee members are both Supporters and women working in the automotive industry. Supporters are women and men working in the automotive industry, past or present.

WOMAC organises events and activities to raise money for cancer charities. Over the years, WOMAC has donated over £1,000,000 to cancer projects.

Our history

In 1978, Gunnar Nilsson, a young Grand Prix racing driver on the verge of a promising career, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In the weeks before he died, Gunnar showed immense courage in organising help and support for other cancer sufferers.

After Gunnar's death, others were inspired by his example and decided to continue his work. Led by Jean, Baroness Denton of Wakefield CBE (herself a victim of cancer in February 2001), a group of women in the motor industry founded the organisation which is now known as WOMAC (Women On the Move Against Cancer).

WOMAC's first event was a lunch, which raised £1,000. Since 1979, WOMAC has donated more than £1 million to more than 50 worthwhile causes, a figure that continues to rise. WOMAC is committed to helping to bring progress in countering and managing cancer.

Founding President

Jean, Baroness Denton of Wakefield, CBE

Committee

Nicola Humphreys

Chair

Cancer took my best friend from me when we were only 16 years old. Her absence in my life serves to regularly remind me that cancer is an insidious disease. My small contribution to WOMAC is about giving thanks for the friend I had. And I love working with this singular group of women to raise money for something so important to all of us.

Melissa Chadderton

Secretary

We’ve all been affected by cancer in some way or another and it is imperative funds are raised to help find a cure for this vile disease. WOMAC is an incredible team of women working hard to make this happen and I feel privileged to have been part of it for many years. Our annual Valentine’s party brings the automotive industry together as a community and each year we see the difference our donations make by funding research and providing support and care for those affected by cancer.

Natasha Colne

Treasurer

I feel honoured to have been part of the sisterhood at WOMAC for over 6 years now. This fearsome bunch of ladies work tirelessly to raise both awareness and funds for much-needed cancer charities, changing the lives of so many and offering hope to those in their hour of need. Together we can all do our bit and help spread the WOMAC love.

Amanda Gibson

Communications Lead

It’s a great privilege to be part of WOMAC – an inspiring group of women in the automotive industry working together to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The disease has taken many loved ones, not only from me, but from millions of others, and being able to help in some way is incredibly important. Everyone has a role to play in beating cancer, and together, one day, our fight will prevail.  

Supporters

  • Alun Parry
  • Amanda Gibson
  • Andrea Baker
  • Andrew Andersz
  • Angela Muresan
  • Bex Lynn
  • Candy Watson-Hall
  • Carla Corbet
  • Carrie Hindmarsh
  • Catrina Adams
  • Claire Evans
  • Daniel Sayles
  • Delena Keenan
  • Emma Humphries
  • Gail Willows
  • George Thurman
  • Georgia Fox
  • Hannah Burgess
  • Harriet Evans
  • Huguette Boyagis
  • Jackie Allard
  • Janet Wilkinson
  • Janis Prescott
  • Jess Colledge
  • Jess Ellery
  • Joanna Lund
  • Jodie Davies
  • Jon Walsh
  • Judith Condon
  • Julia Ravera
  • Julieta Zamora
  • Karen Harvey
  • Kate Thompson
  • Kelly Miller
  • Kelly Neal
  • Lisa Palmer
  • Liz Turner
  • Mark Harrison
  • Mark Oliver
  • Mark Wilsmore
  • Maxine Ashford
  • Melissa Chadderton
  • Melissa Lodge
  • Michelle Brefitt
  • Michelle Pagliarulo
  • Mike Brewer
  • Mike Hawes
  • Mike Orford
  • Moyosola Fujamade
  • Natalie Owles
  • Natasha Colne
  • Nicola Humphreys
  • Nicola Rollingson
  • Nikki Nichol
  • Oliver Rowe
  • Penny Noble 
  • Richard Parsons
  • Sam Travenna
  • Sarah Bradley
  • Sarah Threlfall
  • Shannon Martin
  • Sheree McShane
  • Sonya Buyers
  • Stephen Kitson
  • Stewart Whyte
  • Sue Gay
  • Sue Loy
  • Sue Mulcaster
  • Sukky Choongh
  • Sylvie Childs
  • Tania Brown
  • Tim Barfoot
  • Veronica Painter
  • Victoria Hutton

Still with us in spirit

2022:Paddy Hopkirk MBE, Sue Baker
2020:Neil McIntee
2019:Giulietta Calabrese
2016:Jon Morgan
2014:Jim Bamber, Elena Fahiya
2012:Anne Hope
2011:Simon Small
2008:Jeff Daniels
2007:Felicity (Flip) Golding, Sara Birchall
2006:Malcolm Baylis, Jackie Teale
2005:Janice Byron, Richard Burns, Angela Casali
2003:Lynda Shewan, Yvette d'Arcy, Jerome Mouat, Tony Hardingham
2002:Russell Bulgin
2001:Jean, Baroness Denton of Wakefield CBE, Fiona Newton
2000:Carol Frater
1999:Mary Swainston
1979:Gunnar Nilsson

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