Paula Hanford

Chief Executive Officer

As Chief Executive of Pancreatic Cancer Action, I lead the organisation's strategy, team and partnerships to help improve survival rates for this devastating disease. I’m focused on driving awareness, campaigning for earlier diagnosis, and ensuring patients and families remain at the heart of everything we do. I’m proud to work alongside our supporters, staff and community to deliver lasting impact.

Describe yourself in five words
Driven, collaborative, resilient, optimistic and empathetic

Why did I choose PCA
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most underfunded and under-recognised cancers, and the lack of early detection makes the need for action urgent. I joined PCA because of its strong track record of putting patients first and campaigning for change. The mission is personal to me, having seen how quickly pancreatic cancer can take a life through the loss of a friend’s father. I’m determined to help make a real difference by improving outcomes and saving lives.

Hobbies and Interests
Outside of work, I’m a busy mum to twin teenage boys and enjoy watching them play sport. I love walking my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, spending time with friends and family, travelling, reading, eating out and a good TV drama.

Veronica McBain

Head of Income Generation

I'm passionate about leading a collaborative team of fundraisers to raise vital income from our incredible community of supporters as well as our wider charity team. We work nationally with amazing corporate partners, community groups, grant giving trusts, and individuals to fund life-saving research and campaigning to improve pancreatic cancer survival rates.

Storytelling is at the heart of my work—I believe in connecting donors to our mission by showing the real, life-changing impact they make. I’m hands-on and driven, whether I’m delivering a speech, negotiating a corporate partnership, planning events, or trekking for a cause. We’re always looking for new opportunities to grow our impact and we’d love you to get involved!

Describe yourself in 5 words
Passionate, courageous, caring, collaborative, creative

Why did you pick to work at PCA?
Having spent the last 16 years in the third sector, I’m deeply passionate about the vital role charities play in supporting and strengthening our communities. I’ve also seen firsthand the devastating impact cancer can have on loved ones, which fuels my determination to ensure no one facing a diagnosis is left to cope alone. When I learned about the shockingly low survival rates for pancreatic cancer, I knew I had to be part of the change.

Joining PCA has given me the opportunity to use my experience to grow and strengthen income generation in support of this life-saving mission.

What are your hobbies and interests?
I love spending time with family and friends and have a real passion for travel—especially to the US, where I have family. I originally studied photography at university over 20 years ago and hope to return to it soon as a creative outlet. One day, I’d love to set up my own darkroom at home—I'm a purist at heart, and there’s nothing quite like watching a photo you’ve taken come to life in front of you.
I'm also an animal lover—actually, more of a self-confessed crazy cat woman—which I’ve proudly passed on to my young daughter!

Fiona Brown

Head of Finance and Scottish Development

As Head of Scottish Development, I focus on developing our profile and activities as Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland. I maintain and further develop collaborative relationships with various stakeholders, networks and communities to advance support, healthcare, awareness, research and education of pancreatic cancer in Scotland. I love exploring development opportunities and innovative ways to deliver and develop our objectives. I work closely with our amazing PCA team, inspiring supporters and collaborative networks and believe together we can make a big difference.

Describe yourself in 5 words:
Positive, Passionate, Brave, Caring, Collaborative.

Why did you pick to work at PCA?
After losing my mum to pancreatic cancer in 2003 I channelled my energy into fundraising and volunteering for Marie Curie. In 2014 I became involved in raising awareness of pancreatic cancer which led me onto a pathway of volunteering and working for Pancreatic Cancer Scotland (PCS). Following the merger of PCS and PCA in 2020 I am honoured to share hope, knowledge and action to make the 2020’s the Decade of Change for pancreatic cancer.

What are your hobbies and interests?
I love spending time with friends and family, as well as exploring the beauty of Scotland. At the weekends I love getting outdoors for a digital detox with big walks in the fresh air, exploring fabulous gift shops and not forgetting some yummy cakes, coffee and the odd cocktail too!