Meriel to retire this year

FORCE Cancer Charity has announced that Chief Executive Meriel Fishwick will be retiring at the end of October 2024.

Meriel has been associated with our charity, which offers free support and advice to local people affected by cancer, since 1989.

She became our first employee after six months as a volunteer and is the only person to have served as chief executive.

Dr Jenny Forrest, FORCE chair of trustees, said: “Meriel has led FORCE with grace and style for an amazing 34 years. During that time, she has taken FORCE from a concept to the thriving charity that it is today, supporting hundreds of thousands of people affected by cancer in and around Exeter. Together with her hand-picked team she has faced many challenges, not least the recent pandemic, and has met them with her characteristic passion and determination.

“Meriel will be a very hard act to follow but I am confident that we will find the right person to take FORCE on the next stage of its journey. We would like to say a massive thank you to Meriel and wish her a long and enjoyable retirement.”

Meriel said: “It has been a very difficult decision but with the charity in good heart and on a firm footing, I feel that this is the right time for me and for FORCE.”