About Us

What is our focus?
Military vs Cancer focus is on alleviating the effects of cancer for Military personnel past and present, as well as their immediate families. We provide:
- Additional family / nursing care funding.
- Travel costs for treatment, including hotel stays for family members.
- Home adaptations.
- Respite breaks.
- Memory making trips.
- Special experiences, especially for those with a terminal diagnosis.
- Peer group / community support for serving forces members and their families.
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1199115
WO1 David Bathgate – Chairman
David is the founder of Military vs Cancer and the drive that keeps it on the right trajectory. David was born and raised in Leeds and now lives in Nottingham. He Joined the Royal Navy in 1990 where he still serves as a Warrant Officer 1. David has served on HMS Renown, HMS Resolution, HMS Vigilant, HMS Vengeance and HMS Victorious, the skills and friends he has developed throughout his career have enabled him to grow Military vs Cancer from the ground up.
Shelley Bathgate – Administrator
Shelley has lived in the East Midlands all her life and started her career in adult education working with hard-to-reach groups and charities to ensure inclusion and the personal development of individuals and community groups. Whilst working with a University to develop new programmes to support individuals into higher education she established links with healthcare. Following this she has trained and worked as an Occupational Therapist. As a result of her career experiences Shelley has developed an extensive career in team, service and project management.
Peter Moody – Managing Director of GAP Group – Trustee
Born and raised in the North East, Peter left the region as a young 17-year-old to join the armed services. After a 23-year career in the Royal Navy’s Submarine Service and seeking new challenges, Peter returned home to the North East in 2005 and established GAP Waste. The business was set up to meet the needs and demands of the newly implemented Waste Electrical Electronic Equipment European Directive. Following inception, the company has grown substantially over the period and a Group structure was formed in 2019.
Cdr Michael Howarth RN – Trustee
Michael’s career stretches back to 1987 when he first joined the Royal Navy. Spending most of his career with the Submarine Service, Michael has served in HMS Revenge, HMS Vigilant, HMS Victorious and HMS Vengeance. He has also served with the Submarine Flotilla at HM Naval Base Clyde as well as with the Commando Helicopter Force. When he left regular service in 2018, Michael joined the Maritime Reserves where he has fulfilled roles as Head of Department, senior Divisional Officer and Initial Naval Training Officer. He is currently Commanding Officer of the Maritime Reserves Unit, HMS Dalriada, and a Senior Project Manager for DXC Technology.
Air Vice-Marshal Fin Monahan OBE DFC PhD RAF – Patron
Air Vice-Marshal Monahan OBE became Military vs Cancer first patron. The charity had to wait for the right person with the same enthusiasm and passion to join the team. Born in Liverpool, Fin has fought myeloma three times but has returned to active service and flying each time. He is now applying his operational experience leading the doctrine team at the Defence Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre exploring subjects such as how the armed forces deal with today’s threats and how to operate in the air, space and cyberspace.
WO Gareth Evans – Trustee
Gareth was born in Slough, Berkshire but raised in Southend-on-Sea, Essex until his enlisting to the Royal Air Force in January 1997. Joining as a Physical Training Instructor, he later specialised as an Adventurous Training and Facilitation Instructor working at Outdoor centres in North Wales, North Scotland and Bavaria, Germany. Having served at many units including the RAF College Cranwell, HQ Air Command at High Wycombe and Mount Pleasant Airfield, Falkland Islands, Gareth brings a wealth of experience and relationships to support MvC and has a keen focus on spreading awareness of the charity across all military services.
Carri Nicholson, TD – The Leader Whisperer – Trustee
Born and raised in Scotland, but resident in the North East since 2004, Carri helps business owners and CEOs to sustainably scale then profitably exit their companies. As well as founding a number of businesses herself, Carri spent 6 years as CEO of Save our Squirrels, where she personally raised in excess of £4M to help protect our native red squirrel, and attracted both financial and personal support from HRH Prince Charles (as he then was) to do so. Carri has significant leadership, fundraising and stakeholder management experience, as well as 17 years’ service as an Officer in the Territorial Army. She considers it a singular honour to be able to support the amazing objectives of Military vs Cancer as a Trustee.
Committee Members - Click on the image for bio

Elton Dobson
Committee Member

Elton Dobson
Committee Member
It is fair to say that I once considered cancer to be something on the periphery of my awareness. While I always knew it was a horrific disease, it wasn't until it directly impacted my family that I truly comprehended the immense heartache it can inflict. This personal experience has ignited a deep motivation within me to bring about positive change for other families. The fact that MvC focuses specifically on our military family only amplifies my sense of pride in the work we do.
What would you like Military vs Cancer to achieve whist you are involved?
I wholeheartedly believe in the concept of MvC. The military possesses a distinctive team ethos that will propel the charity towards even greater success. The combination of serving and ex-serving personnel within the team equips MvC with the necessary tools to achieve its utmost potential. Personally, my objective is for the charity to expand its influence throughout every corner of the United Kingdom and subsequently extend its reach worldwide.

Laurence Rooke
Committee Member

Laurence Rooke
Committee Member
After proudly serving in the Royal Navy for 15 years, I unfortunately faced a medical discharge due to a knee injury. However, that was just the beginning of my journey. I courageously battled stage 4 testicular cancer, which tragically spread to my liver, resulting in the loss of both testicles. This grueling fight lasted for 2.5 years, but I am now thankful to say that I have been cancer-free for the past four years. Although I must remain on medication for the rest of my life, it is a small price to pay for the gift of life itself.
During my own battle, I realised there was a lack of dedicated military cancer charities. This realisation fuelled my desire to make a difference for our band of brothers and sisters who are currently fighting their own battles with cancer. Each struggle is unique, and being part of this unwanted club creates a special bond that few people can truly comprehend.
What would you like Military vs Cancer to achieve whist you are involved?
I wholeheartedly believe in the concept of MvC. The military possesses a distinctive team ethos that will propel the charity towards even greater success. The combination of serving and ex-serving personnel within the team equips MvC with the necessary tools to achieve its utmost potential. Personally, my objective is for the charity to expand its influence throughout every corner of the United Kingdom and subsequently extend its reach worldwide.

Graeme Mcabe
Committee Member

Graeme Mcabe
Committee Member
Having experienced the heartbreaking loss of loved ones to cancer, I made a life-changing decision a few years ago. Determined to challenge myself, I embarked on the journey of conquering the Yorkshire 3 Peaks. Fuelled by my enduring friendship with Dave Bathgate, with whom I've shared over three decades of camaraderie, I proposed the idea of raising funds for Military vs Cancer. Little did I know that this humble suggestion would snowball into a monumental feat, with almost 40 of us successfully completing the Yorkshire 3 peaks and raising an astounding £16k.
Inspired by the overwhelming support and relentless determination, I couldn't ignore the call to take things further. Thus, I conceived the audacious concept of the Loch Lomond Challenge. This time, over 70 individuals rallied behind our cause, surpassing all expectations by raising over £20k. Recognising the impact we were making, I was humbled to be invited to join the committee, an opportunity I simply couldn't refuse.
What would you like Military vs Cancer to achieve whist you are involved?
Now, my unwavering focus lies in spreading the message far and wide among the Armed Forces and Veterans Communities. I am driven by the belief that we stand as a beacon of support for those who suffer and their families. Together, we affirm that help is available, and we are here to make a difference.

Chris Smith
Committee Member

Chris Smith
Committee Member
The unfortunate reality is that cancer will inevitably impact everyone's life. Personally, I believe it is crucial to provide support to individuals and their families during the most challenging battle they may face. When I discovered the incredible services offered by MvC, it was an easy decision for me to join and contribute.
What would you like Military vs Cancer to achieve whist you are involved?
While MvC is steadily growing as a charitable organisation and attracting a diverse group of like-minded individuals with a wide range of knowledge and skills, there is always more work to be done. Since cancer knows no boundaries, it is my aspiration for MvC to expand its reach globally. It should not be limited to the UK armed forces alone, but should extend to anyone in need, regardless of their location.

Matt Munday
Committee Member

Matt Munday
Committee Member
Several significant events have deeply influenced my motivation to get involved. One such event was the loss of a shipmate a few years ago. Attending their funeral reminded me of the incredible bond within our military family and the potential impact of MvC in supporting families dealing with this devastating disease. Additionally, my partner underwent surgery to remove melanomas, which were fortunately detected early. Witnessing the immense support provided by MacMillan during that time made me realize the vital importance of an organization like MvC for current and former members of the military and their loved ones.
What would you like Military vs Cancer to achieve whist you are involved?
My ultimate goal is to see MvC firmly establish itself in the consciousness of every military establishment across the UK. Cancer affects so many of us throughout our lives, and we all need that shipmate who will be there to lend a listening ear and offer support in any way possible, making the journey a little easier. Perhaps, in the future, MvC could even provide access to cancer treatment, ensuring the best hospitals, medical personnel, and eliminating the need for lengthy waiting lists.

Eléna Mountford
Committee Member

Eléna Mountford
Committee Member
As an active-duty soldier and a member of the Army family, I have always strived to assist those in need. Having experienced the loss of my mother to cancer and witnessing my adoptive mother undergoing cancer treatment, my awareness of Military vs Cancer grew last year. Motivated by my personal history, I was determined to raise funds to support military personnel facing cancer. With the incredible support of the MvC team, I successfully raised over £15k.
What would you like Military vs Cancer to achieve whist you are involved?
Being invited to join the committee was a genuine honour, and I aspire to contribute to the growth of this remarkable charity in the future. My goal is to continue making a difference by helping those who have already made significant sacrifices and ensuring they receive the support they deserve during challenging times.

Leigh Walker
Unfortunately, I have experienced the loss of loved ones to cancer, which has deeply impacted me. However, I have also been fortunate enough to witness the triumph of family members overcoming cancer and thriving. This has inspired me to be a part of something truly incredible, especially since it involves our military family, which makes it an even greater honor.
After dedicating 10 years of my life to serving in the infantry with the second battalion royal regiment of fusiliers, I transitioned into a career in construction management. Since leaving the military, I have actively participated in numerous challenges to raise funds for various cancer research charities. These endeavours have included running 252 miles in just 5 days, engaging in wild camping, and completing a continuous run along the entirety of Hadrian’s Wall in under 21 hours. I undertake these challenges to assist those who are less fortunate and unable to do so themselves.
What would you like Military vs Cancer to achieve whist you are involved?
Personally, my goal is to contribute to the growth and recognition of MvC as a charity that is respected by all members of the military, both current and former. I want it to be an organization that personnel actively desire to be a part of. I strive to witness firsthand the progress and expansion of MvC.

Kevin G. Smith
Committee Member

Kevin G. Smith
Committee Member
I wanted to be a part of a worthwhile charity and Military vs Cancer hit all the right notes for me. Being in the military makes this more personal and I know the importance of what we are trying to achive. I look forward to being involved in all the activities we will undertake and all the lives we will change because of our efforts.
What would you like Military vs Cancer to achieve whist you are involved?
I would like the committee to reach audiences throughout all of UK and beyond. Be a beacon of hope to those who need us and those who don’t. I want it to inspire change in the minds of us all with respect to this illness and how a small effort on our part can make a big difference to so many. I want us to some day beat cancer and Military vs Cancer be a big part of how.

Jay Brady
Committee Member

Jay Brady
Committee Member
Cancer has an impact on so many families, including my own, losing my cousin who was only in his early thirties was a very difficult time. If I can be a part of something that makes a person’s life that little bit better or brighter during their difficult journey, that would be a wonderful thing. I feel very privileged to be given the chance to be involved with the charity.
What would you like Military vs Cancer to achieve whist you are involved?
For MvC to become one of the MODs most popular cancer charity’s that everyone has heard of, including people outside of the Armed Forces and for it to be the go-to charity for people diagnosed with this awful disease; also, for MvC to continue to ensure that help and support is accessible.
