Ronald McDonald House Charities UK welcomes Claire Rowney as new Trustee to support ambitious plans for families

Breast Cancer Now’s CEO joins the Board at a pivotal time for families with children in hospital.

Ronald McDonald House Charities UK is delighted to announce the appointment of Claire Rowney as a Trustee. Claire brings over 25 years’ experience in the charity sector and currently serves as Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Now. Her career is marked by senior leadership roles at some of the UK’s most influential organisations, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Save the Children UK and Cancer Research UK.

Claire brings extensive fundraising experience, having led many of the sector’s most iconic and high-impact fundraising campaigns, from Race for Life and World’s Biggest Coffee Morning to Christmas Jumper Day and Stand Up To Cancer. Known for her bold, dynamic approach, Claire champions innovation and adaptability, ensuring charities respond to a rapidly changing world and the evolving needs of supporters and beneficiaries alike.

Claire’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, as the organisation embarks on an ambitious five-year strategy to grow and diversify income streams and increase its impact, supporting more families and ensuring they receive the very best care during the most challenging times of their lives.

Claire Rowney said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as a Trustee of Ronald McDonald House Charities. The work that the charity does to support families with seriously ill children is truly humbling and I’m honoured to be selected to sit on the board. I am excited to get started, to learn more about the charity and the vital work that they do, and to contribute as effectively as I can. In a full circle moment, my first ever role was working at McDonald’s as a crew member at 16, so it’s wonderful to be part of the family again.”

Ella Joseph, Chief Executive of Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Claire to our Board of Trustees. Her exceptional leadership and fundraising expertise will be invaluable as we work towards our ambitious plans over the next five years. Claire’s passion for supporting families aligns perfectly with our mission to keep families close to their seriously ill children in hospital. I look forward to working closely with Claire and I’m excited about the impact her insight will bring.”