Meet the team

Dave Yearsley

Founder of NeST.
Hi my name is Dave Yearsley, in 1991 our son James was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. During the first couple of years he had alot of different treatment, it was a very uncertain time, with limited knowledge of the condition and no clear cure. So as a family we made contact with Moin Saleem through our specialist and found he was carrying out research on James’s condition.

So we decided to set up NeST to support his research and in the process I did some crazy fund raising myself to get things going. Today I am very proud of what we have all achieved as a team at NeST and hope we can one day finally find a cure for Nephrotic Syndrome! 

Wendy Cook & Bonnie the cockapoo helper!

I’m Director and Fundraising Co-ordinator of NeST.
I’ve built up the charity shortly after its launch in 2005, motivated by my son's diagnosis of Nephrotic Syndrome and re-occurrence in transplant. I understand the challenges and isolation faced by many sufferers and their carers. I work closely with researchers to help fund and support research studies to find new therapies to beat this cruel kidney condition. I’m inspired not only by the research team, but also the wonderful NeST community who work tirelessly fundraising to keep Bristol research team supported with funds.

Our charity also works closely with other clinicians and researchers and other charities in the UK and abroad. I’m also very touched by the community’s spirit reaching out to one another, day in, day out via our busy Facebook pages and support groups. I truly believe with all my heart we can find a cure one day if we all work together. The research team work incredibly hard, please help support this important work. We must keep going, because sadly more generations will be diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome in the world.

“I won’t give up, if you don’t give up!”

Moin Saleem

Professor of Paediatric Renal Medicine within The University of Bristol.
I trained as an undergraduate at University College, London. Fellowship of Royal College of Physicians. PhD in transplantation immunology at Institute of Child Health, London. Paediatric nephrology training at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. Set up my independent laboratory programme in glomerular cell biology in Bristol, as well as holding a post as a consultant paediatric nephrologist since 1999.
I now head Bristol Renal, a glomerular research group of approximately 40 researchers, covering all areas from cell biology, transgenic models and population cohorts and genetics.

My specific area is in podocyte biology (H index 55). I was the originator of the UK Renal Rare Disease Registry (RaDaR), and am currently leading the UK nephrotic syndrome study (NephroS), as well as a major industry- academic collaboration termed NURTuRE (National Unified Renal Translational Enterprise).

I am an original Trustee of NeST, and continue to lead on organisation of patient days, and laboratory visits. My laboratory research programme has been fantastically supported by NeST for over 15 years, and has grown hugely due in no small measure to that support and the enthusiasm from patients and families.

Gavin

Biochemist and Cell Biologist within Bristol Renal.
Hello everyone, I’m Gavin. I am a biochemist and cell biologist within Bristol Renal at the University of Bristol. My group works on understanding the causes of Nephrotic Syndrome and identifying new therapeutic targets for this disease. We are very grateful for the passion, enthusiasm and determination of the NeST family raising vital funding for our work.

Sam Davies-Abbott

NeST facebook page and the support group lead.
My name is Sam Davies-Abbott and l am part of the admin team on the NeST facebook page and the support group lead for the North Wales, Chester and Merseyside NeST group.  My son was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome seven years ago when he was three years old and l found the support from the NeST facebook group to be very helpful at such a scary time.  As a family we have fundraised for NeST over the years and attended several of the NeST patient information days where it has been lovely to meet up with other families.

Working within the field of mental health I recognise the importance of NeST in providing a safe and supportive online environment where families and friends can come together and support each other through the difficult times we share.

Gemma

Trustee for NeST and a support group lead.
Hello everyone I’m Gemma, I have 3 lovely little girls and my girls also have a lovely older brother and sister to who all love to fundraise for NeST. We also were lucky to discover Wendy and our lovely NeST family when Matilda at the age of 2 was diagnosed with Nephrotic syndrome. Instead of driving ourselves crazy my husband Keiron and I started fundraising starting with a run into the ice cold sea on Boxing Day! We feel blessed to be part of such an amazing team of families and researchers who are all such an inspiration.

I am proud to be a trustee for NeST and a support group lead for NeST ‘Nephrotic Syndrome Trust Teesside And Yorkshire Fundraisers’, whether you need and ear to listen, or even someone to jump out of a plane at 15000ft I’m with you! Your NeST family is always here and thinking of you thank you.

Louise Mathias-Lukins

Trustee of NeST.
Hi my name is Louise Mathias-Lukins, I am a trustee of NeST. I found the the NeST family when my daughter Grace was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome at the age of 2 1/2 years old. We have been really lucky with the support from the hospital though out her relapses, but always having a friendly place to fall back on and ask questions the NeST family were always there to get us through.

With the help of my family, friends and work we have arranged a few charity events helping to raise funds for NeST and we are always looking for new ways to do this. 

Rachael

Fundraising and Marketing Coordinator.
I'm Rachael and I'm the Fundraising and Marketing Coordinator at Nephrotic Syndrome Trust. I'd never heard of Nephrotic Syndrome before my son was diagnosed with the steroid resistant type. When Dylan was diagnosed I found the NeST community really helped me through those first difficult months.

I soon became involved in fundraising and this progressed to me joining the team. I love being part of Nephrotic Syndrome Trust and look forward to the day we can celebrate having a cure!

Relaxation and Wellbeing Coach

Hi my name is Dana Bishop. I have 2 sons and my eldest was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome (FSGS) when he was 15 months old.  

We discovered NEST shortly after my son was diagnosed and over the last few years my family has arranged some charity events to help raise funds for NEST. These include the March Marathon, Great Gatsby ball and a charity disco!  

After my son was diagnosed, I realized the rollercoaster of emotions that can be experienced when living with Nephrotic Syndrome. I decided to train as a Relaxation and wellbeing coach in 2018 and am excited to be offering 1-1 and group sessions for NEST families to help manage difficult emotions. Please contact me if you have any questions or for any further information.