At the start of the year, we said a fond farewell to our Senior Communications Officer, Niamh.
Niamh has been a valued part of the Beacon team and will be deeply missed.
From bringing our stories to life to helping our community feel connected to our work, her impact has been felt far and wide.
While we’re sad to see her go, we’re excited to see where her next adventure leads.
Read Niamh’s leaving blog below to learn some of her favourite moments and reflections from her time at Beacon.
Can you sum up your time at Beacon for us?
I first joined Beacon back in 2023 after completing an apprenticeship in Digital Marketing. I’ve since had the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally, getting involved in so many exciting things.
I’m really proud of everything Beacon has achieved, and getting to play a part in it over the past couple of years has been very special. It may sound like a bit of a cliché, but it’s true – no two days are the same!
Working in communications means I’ve had the chance to engage with so much of Beacon’s work. From working with our team to promote impactful events and projects to collaborating with REMEDi4ALL and LifeArc, the role has been so varied. It’s been a real pleasure to have been involved in these projects.
What I’m going to remember most are the people. The rare disease community and the Beacon team truly are one of a kind. I’ve made new friends and laughed A LOT – I’m really going to miss this!
What will you be doing after Beacon?
I’m going to be staying in the communications world, but taking a slightly different direction!
I’m excited to be starting a new role at Fenland District Council, where I’ll be helping to grow their digital communications and their impact in the local community.
What is your highlight/your greatest achievement from your time at Beacon?
It’s been really rewarding having the opportunity to take our communications in a new direction.
A particular highlight of this has been developing Season 3 of the Rarely Heard Podcast, hearing our speakers’ stories firsthand and bringing them to life through engaging and meaningful conversations was incredible.
Don’t forget to listen to the first three episodes now if you haven’t already!
I’ve also really enjoyed working with Great British Bake Off contestant, Andy Ryan in sharing his story living with Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome for the very first time. Working with The Guardian, we were able to create an article that highlighted Andy’s rare disease journey while raising awareness of this condition.
I can’t wait to see where Beacon goes next!
