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Meet the Team

At Spinal Research we currently have a team covering research, fundraising, finance, and everything in between. Scroll down to found out more about who we are and what we do.

Harvey Sihota

Chief Executive Officer

Harvey, who lives with a spinal cord injury himself, joined to lead the charity in 2020 with the goal to deliver effective treatments and technologies to those with SCI.

He brings with him a wealth of experience from the Finance & Technology sector as well as a track record of building a sustainable not-for-profit organisation in the SCI rehabilitation sector.

Harvey enjoys reading, travelling and learning about neuroscience. As well as following sports, he also continues to look after his body and nervous system through activity-based training.

Timea Konya MSc

Head of Research

Timea manages our research portfolio, organise scientific meetings and works with our Advisory Boards.

To contact Timea email research@spinal-research.org

Andy Russell

Marketing and Communications Manager

Andy joined the team in February 2021, heading up the Marketing and Communications team. Andy suffered a spinal cord injury in 1996, and is passionate about helping our supporters understand more about the scientific research, as well as how to support the charity through fundraising.

Away from work Andy enjoys travelling, trying to perfect his French, spending lazy days at the cricket and following the fortunes of West Ham United.

To contact Andy email andy@spinal-research.org

Louisa McGinn

Director of Fundraising

Louisa joined in 2022. Having previously spent 15 years working at Cancer Research UK, Comic Relief and Save the Children, her experience in fundraising and passion is invaluable.

In her spare time, Louisa enjoys running and reading – with the help of audiobooks she often manages to do both at once! She also loves to bake, and spend the rest of her time having intense conversations with one of the four cats she has in the family.

Suzanne Redding

Community Fundraising Manager

Suzanne joined the charity in 2022 and has worked in fundraising for a decade.

Over the years she has covered just about every area of community and events fundraising - from bake sales up and down the country to supporters throwing themselves out of planes.

In her spare time, Suzanne loves visiting the seaside and people watching, as well as a lazy day with her children!

Lottie Dosanjh

Fundraising Assistant

Lottie joined the team in July 2022, and her role is to provide assistance to the fundraising team.

With an educational history in international development and an extensive volunteering background, Lottie is passionate about fundraising for the important work that Spinal Research funds.

In her spare time, Lottie is probably doing something creative like cooking or painting, or socialising with friends.

Georgia Akers

Event Manager

Georgia joined the charity in October 2022 as the Mass Participation Events Manager. Georgia has a degree in events management and over 7 years experience of working in the events industry.

In her spare time, Georgia loves being creative, traveling and spending time with her friends and family.

To contact Georgia, Email Georgia@spinal-research.org

Dale Muffett

Data and Integrations Manager

Dale joined the team in June 2022 and is responsible for our data processes and systems. Dale suffered a spinal cord injury in 2021 and found he wanted to be more involved in finding a cure. He brings many years of charity sector and data management experience to the team.

In his free time Dale keeps as active as possible and since being injured has sit-skied in Colorado, started to learn to fly, done the round the Isle of Wight Sailing race and has taken up wheelchair racing.

Shajia Shahid

Clinical Research Network Manager

Shajia joined the team in October 2023.

With an extensive background in neuroscience, Shajia works to encourage collaboration among researchers, medical professionals, and institutions at a national and international level. This collaboration will accelerate progress in the development of treatments and care for spinal cord injuries.

In her free time Shajia enjoys swimming to help keep fit and active.