Our Board Members

Bernhard is a Professor of Biomedical Science at Canterbury Christ Church University and an außerplanmäßiger Professor of Experimental Allergology at the University of Lübeck, Germany. He has extensive research and teaching experience in the field of immunology, especially in allergies, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.

Bernhard obtained his first degree in Medicinal Chemistry at University College London, where he then also completed his PhD, and then moved to the University of Lübeck where he obtained a habilitation in Experimental Allergology. His main research focus is on understanding the role of basophils in regulating the severity of allergic reactions and in discovering new therapeutic targets.

Reason(s) for agreeing to join the SBF:

I was deeply moved to read about Sadie whilst searching for contacts with local allergy charities. The Sadie Bristow Foundation (SBF) played a major role in helping me to establish my allergy research in Kent and putting me in touch with local clinicians with expertise in allergy. I was also very impressed with the annual SBF conference, which was an inspiring experience due to the unique mix of clinicians, scientists, charities and patients. I am therefore delighted to be asked to join the SBF and very much look forward to contributing to the success of this Charity and to strengthening both allergy research and knowledge in our region.

Leman Mutlu is a Consultant based at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. Dr Mutlu attended medical school near Istanbul, Turkey and completed postgraduate research training in the USA and Germany, after which she settled in the UK and started clinical postgraduate training.

Dr Mutlu completed internal medicine training in Liverpool in 2010 and Immunology and Allergy training in Birmingham in 2023. Following specialist Immunology and Allergy training, Dr Mutlu was appointed as a Consultant in East Kent Hospitals to set-up services there. She is a steering committee member and patient group liaison representative of the national clinical immunology network and also member of the British society of allergy and clinical immunology. She is passionate about empowering patients and sees them as major stakeholders in management of disease. She is also a mum and is delighted to team up with Clare and the Bristow family to continue building a great legacy for Sadie within and beyond Kent.

Francesca is an experienced clinical psychologist specialising in paediatrics, currently working at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Her values as a clinical psychologist are to work with young people and their families to empower them and equip them with skills, tools, strategies and insights to manage all aspects of their emotional wellbeing and mental health and gain confidence in navigating life’s challenges and hurdles.

Francesca is also hugely passionate about working with children and families with allergies, having previously led the psychology team at the Children’s Allergy Service at the Evelina Children’s Hospital, which is the largest allergy service in Europe.

Since then, having been shocked by how little psychology support is available throughout the UK for children with allergies, she has remained hugely involved in the field, building an ever-growing social media platform, connecting and supporting families living with allergies all over the country and also proudly working alongside with Dr Helen Allergy, providing psychological support and advice in her monthly membership.

Francesca has joined board of the Sadie Bristow foundation as a specialist advisor and with our shared values hope that we can continue to our mission to support increasing families with the psychological management of their allergies.

Hannah is a specialist paediatric dietitian who dedicates her career to helping children and their families navigate food allergy. Currently, as Clinical Lead Dietitian at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Hannah focuses on improving allergy care, ensuring correct diagnosis and pathways, and supporting and educating healthcare professionals in making accurate diagnoses and timely referrals.

In addition to her clinical role within the NHS, Hannah established bump2baby Nutrition in 2021. In her private work, Hannah strives to give clear, down-to-earth practical advice to make the allergy journey easier when avoiding certain foods.

She is also currently pursuing an MSc in Allergy at the University of Southampton, enabling her to stay at the forefront of the latest research and developments in this vital field.

An active member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA), Hannah contributes to policy development and guidelines related to paediatric nutrition. She is frequently called upon to speak at conferences, sharing her expertise to educate others about food allergy. Hannah is also involved in charity work, supporting initiatives that raise awareness and improve allergy management in the community.

Through her various roles, Hannah is committed to raising awareness and advocating for better management practices, ensuring a safer future for children and families affected by allergies.

I feel so privileged to be able to join the Sadie Bristow Foundation and support their incredible work. I became aware of the charity through Clare, Sadie’s mum, and I’ve been inspired by their mission to raise awareness and improve the care and support available to those living with allergies.

As a Dietitian specialising in food allergies in children, I’m excited to contribute to the foundations’ important work, helping to support parents,  educate the public where needed and advocate for better allergy management and pathways in care. It is just an honour to be able to be part of such an amazing cause!