Meet our trustees

Sir Paul Curran (Chair)

I was appointed as Chair in 2022.  

I was a university leader, serving as President of City St Georges, University of London for over a decade and previously as Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Science of the University of Southampton. I started my career as a university academic, was a NASA research scientist and advisor to the European Space Agency. 

I've chaired several national committees and am now Chair of the NHS England National Joint Registry and Wallbrook Institute, London, Director of the Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd., President of the Remote Sensing & Photogrammetry Society and Patron of The Conversation UK. 

Since my daughter’s diagnosis of MS, I've developed not only a deep understanding of the condition, but an empathy with, and admiration for, people living with MS, their family and friends.
 

Emily Revess (Vice Chair)

I’ve been a trustee since 2020 and was appointed as Vice Chair in 2024. I’m also a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee.

I currently work as the Interim Deputy Director for AI and Cyber Investment at Ofgem, on loan from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. I've been a Civil Servant since 2017 and previously worked in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Cabinet Office. 

I'm committed to helping create a more inclusive society that realises the potential of all individuals. I was diagnosed with MS in 2015. 

Read blogs by Emily

Dr Victoria Appleton

I was appointed as a trustee in July 2026 and sit on the Strategic Implementation and Finance Committee. Until recently I worked as an anaesthetist and chronic pain doctor for NHS Lanarkshire, having graduated from Warwick Medical School in 2006. Prior to my medical degree I obtained a first-class honours degree in physiology from the University of Nottingham.

This background has given me an understanding of complex long-term conditions, multidisciplinary care, and the challenges patients face navigating healthcare systems. My work in chronic pain, in particular, has strengthened my appreciation of the importance of holistic, patient-centred approaches and the need for services that truly reflect patient needs.

Alongside my professional experience I have been living with relapsing MS since 2011. Since taking medical retirement in 2025, I have remained determined to contribute meaningfully and to use my experience to support others whose lives are affected by MS.

Dr Shewly Choudhury

I’ve been a trustee since January 2021. I’m a member of the Audit and Risk Committee and also the Research Strategy Committee. I’m a neuroscientist by training and I’m currently Head of Research Careers & Culture at Cancer Research UK. Previously I worked in senior roles at the Natural Environment Research Council, Royal Society and Wellcome Trust. 

My older brother had a disabling neurological condition. I know first-hand the difference access to effective treatments, support and services can make.

Having worked in research funding and policy for over 20 years, I’ve always believed science is a force for good. The UK has one of the strongest scientific research communities in the world. I believe that by working together, we could make new treatments for MS a reality this decade.

Jason Jaspal

I was appointed as a trustee in July 2024 and I’m a member of the Strategic Implementation and Finance Committee. I have worked as a fundraising professional for over a decade, initially for a disability equality charity, followed by over 7 years working in suicide prevention with Samaritans, before joining Anna Freud: Mental Health Charity as Commercial Director in January 2026.  

I have a family connection to MS and several people very close to me live with the condition. I’ve seen first-hand the role that support services, treatments and good information can play. I am committed to helping the MS Society further this crucial work.

Rhys Jenkins

I was appointed as a trustee in July 2026 and I’m a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

After being born and brought up in Cardiff, I attended Cardiff University during which I was a trustee of the University and Students Union. Since 2018, I’ve been Barrister in my daily life specialising in Family and Civil law. I’m lucky enough to balance a busy work life with a young family and I’m also a trustee of a St Johns Ambulance Cymru: the leading first aid charity in Wales.

I became involved in the MS Society after my diagnosis of RRMS in 2019 and spent 3 years volunteering in Wales and working with the Wales team. I want to give back and help ensure the excellent work by the MS Society is available to all those living with or affected by MS.

Dr Stephanie Kingston

I was appointed as a trustee in January 2024 and I’m a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee. 

I have been a General Practitioner since August 2023, after qualifying as a doctor at the University of Southampton in 2016. I gained first-hand experience of medical research through a BSc at Kings College London and spent several years working in multiple South-West London hospitals. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I was a front-line junior doctor in West Middlesex Hospital. 

I have witnessed the impact of MS, both personally and professionally. I hope to use this experience to improve the lives of people living with MS in the UK.

Jon Paul Lynch

I became a Trustee in February 2026, and I am also a member of our Audit and Risk Committee. I was motivated to join the MS Society Board by my lifelong connection to MS. My mother, Mary, was diagnosed with MS when I was six months old and lived with progressive MS throughout my life. Growing up as a young carer, I saw the resilience required to live with MS and the importance of community and support. After losing Mum to MS in 2025, I’m committed to helping others affected by MS.

Professionally, I’m a Director at a global management consulting firm, advising executive teams on strategy and leading digital, data, and technology enabled transformation, bringing personal experience and professional perspective to help the MS Society deliver its strategy.

Leah Mates

I became a Trustee in July 2024 and I’m also a member of the Strategic Implementation and Finance Committee. Over the last two decades, I’ve held senior marketing and fundraising positions at some of the UK’s most well-known health and medical research organisations. I've set up and led multi-functional teams to deliver transformational commercial growth across large and diverse portfolios. I’m a member of the Data & Marketing Association Values-Driven Data Committee and am also an active mentee across the not-for-profit sector. 

I'm particularly motivated to drive positive impact in health, and inclusion. I have several family members and friends with neurological health conditions, and so am passionate about creating environments, and a society, where everyone can succeed in life.

Caroline Millar

I became a trustee in July 2026 and I’m a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee. I bring experience in health and safety and medical work, and a strong understanding of life with MS in Northern Ireland.

I was diagnosed with relapsing MS nearly 40 years ago and now live with secondary progressive MS. I’m a long-standing MS volunteer and campaigner, an award-winning Boccia coach and referee, and the proud owner of two goats, Princess and Snowdrop.

My own experience helps me understand how different life can be for people affected by MS, and how where you live can change the support and services you can get.

As a trustee, I’ll use my insight into Northern Ireland’s health, social care and political systems to help shape our work, support strong decisions and make sure people affected by MS are listened to.

Chris Murray MBE

I was appointed as a Trustee on 1 January 2023 and I'm Chair of the Strategic Implementation and Finance Committee.

I spent my Executive career in the energy sector and headed numerous directorates in National Grid as well as being lucky enough to be a CEO three times. I’ve held numerous non-executive roles over the last 25 years. I am currently Chair of Water Resources South East, Chair of the Northern Powergrid Independent Stakeholder Group, a Board Member at Scotia Gas Networks, and a Trustee of the Leicestershire Hospice. 

My family is directly impacted by MS and I will do everything I can to promote the aims of the MS Society to help people living with MS and people supporting them.

Dr Fiona Reddington

I was appointed as a Trustee in February 2026 and am a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. I am a scientist by training and undertook my PhD studies in the area of MS at Kings College London.

My most recent role was Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at Our Future Health, where I worked with colleagues across the NHS, charities and industry to build strong, collaborative partnerships that support co-design, co-delivery and co-funding. I have worked in research roles in the NHS, University College London, a cancer network and the NCRI Informatics Initiative, where I was part of the team awarded the inaugural Times Higher Education Research Project of the Year. I worked at Cancer Research UK for over a decade and held a range of senior roles, leading research portfolios in clinical trials, population research, prevention and early diagnosis, as well as contributing to the charity’s work on data-sharing.

I am committed to improving the lives of those with MS, and their families, through translating research into real-world impact.

Polly Williams

I became a trustee in January 2020 and I’m Chair of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee.

I am currently the Head of EDI and Wellbeing at the Law Society supporting the solicitor profession. I've worked for a range of organisations including national academies for science and engineering, charities and public sector bodies leading equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategies and initiatives.

I was diagnosed with MS in 2015. I understand the impact of invisible symptoms and the challenges faced by people with MS.