Key Points
- The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre, an independent charity in Enfield supporting over 20,000 people across north London with free emotional, physical, and practical cancer support, has appointed Meral Nugent as its new CEO.​
- Ms Nugent previously volunteered at the centre in 2024, then served as office manager, and brings 25 years of experience in the UK healthcare sector, including roles as director of corporate affairs at HCA Healthcare and head of global communications at Advanz Pharma.​
- Ms Nugent stated: “I am incredibly thrilled to be joining The Nightingale as the new CEO, it is truly a privilege and honour. During my time working here previously, I have come to love The Nightingale and the amazing work it does in the community. With one in two people experiencing cancer in their lifetime, the work of The Nightingale has never been more important and I am very much looking forward to shaping the next stage of our journey as a charity, while continuing to support as many people as possible through what is an incredibly challenging time.”​
- Sam, chair of trustees at The Nightingale, said: “We are delighted to welcome Meral Nugent as our new CEO. Meral’s breadth of experience, combined with her strategic communications expertise, makes her exceptionally well placed to lead the charity into its next chapter. The trustees are looking forward to working with Meral as she develops the charity’s strategy to deliver more services to more people across Enfield.”​
- Ms Nugent replaces Nick Jacobs, who retired in December after three years as CEO, during which he expanded services and increased the centre’s profile; trustees thanked Mr Jacobs for his contributions.
- The Nightingale, founded in 2002, offers free services to help people diagnosed with cancer, their families, and friends come to terms with diagnosis and life changes, with no barriers due to money.
- Coverage includes reports describing the appointment as leading “an exciting new chapter” at a “pivotal time for cancer care.”
The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre in Enfield has appointed former volunteer Meral Nugent as its new chief executive officer, marking a significant leadership transition for the charity that aids thousands facing cancer. Ms Nugent, with deep roots in the organisation and extensive healthcare expertise, steps into the role following the retirement of Nick Jacobs. This move comes amid rising demand for cancer support services in north London, where one in two people may face the disease in their lifetime.
Who is the new CEO of The Nightingale?
Meral Nugent, the newly appointed CEO, began her association with The Nightingale as a volunteer in 2024 before advancing to office manager. As reported in coverage from PG Web UK, she possesses 25 years of experience in the UK healthcare sector, having served as director of corporate affairs at HCA Healthcare and head of global communications at Advanz Pharma.​
In her statement upon appointment, Ms Nugent expressed profound enthusiasm:
“I am incredibly thrilled to be joining The Nightingale as the new CEO, it is truly a privilege and honour.”
She further elaborated,
“During my time working here previously, I have come to love The Nightingale and the amazing work it does in the community.”​
Ms Nugent emphasised the charity’s critical role, noting:
“With one in two people experiencing cancer in their lifetime, the work of The Nightingale has never been more important and I am very much looking forward to shaping the next stage of our journey as a charity, while continuing to support as many people as possible through what is an incredibly challenging time.”
What experience does Meral Nugent bring?
Ms Nugent’s professional background equips her uniquely for this leadership position. Her tenure as director of corporate affairs at HCA Healthcare involved high-level strategic oversight in a major healthcare provider, while her role as head of global communications at Advanz Pharma honed her skills in managing international stakeholder relations and crisis communications.​
Sam, chair of trustees, highlighted this expertise in welcoming her:
“Meral’s breadth of experience, combined with her strategic communications expertise, makes her exceptionally well placed to lead the charity into its next chapter.”​
The trustees anticipate collaboration on expansion, as Sam added:
“The trustees are looking forward to working with Meral as she develops the charity’s strategy to deliver more services to more people across Enfield.”​
Why did Nick Jacobs leave The Nightingale?
Nick Jacobs retired as CEO in December after serving three years in the role. During his leadership, the charity expanded its services and elevated its community profile, contributions for which the trustees expressed gratitude.
Social media updates from sources like Instagram noted that Mr Jacobs “will be stepping down from his role,” acknowledging his efforts in supporting people with cancer in the community.​
Earlier coverage from the People’s Postcode Lottery in October 2025 quoted Mr Jacobs on the charity’s vital work:
“With the staggering statistic that 1 in 2 of us will face cancer at some point in our lifetime, cancer support services have never been so vital. Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we will be able to continue providing our services free of charge to the thousands of people in our community diagnosed with cancer every year.”​
His LinkedIn profile reflects his commitment, stating he was
“helping out in my new role as CEO of this unique charity who provide a number of free services to our clients and their friends and family – all free.”​
What is The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre?
The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre, based in Enfield, operates as an independent charity founded in 2002, having supported people affected by cancer for 22 years as of early 2026.
It provides free emotional, physical, and practical support to individuals diagnosed with cancer, along with their families and friends, helping them cope with diagnosis and resulting life changes.
The charity’s website describes it as “a second home for people with cancer,” stressing personalised services:
“Cancer support is not one size fits all. Neither are our services. We work with you to make sure you are getting the help you need.”​
A fundamental principle ensures all services remain free of charge, removing financial barriers to essential aid.
How does The Nightingale support north London?
The centre aids more than 20,000 people across north London, offering complementary therapies, counselling, activities, and more for adults affected by cancer and their loved ones.
Its mission focuses on enabling individuals and families to navigate cancer’s challenges, with recent funding like £40,000 from People’s Postcode Lottery winners in Waltham Cross underscoring community backing.
Initiatives such as breaking taboos around prostate cancer and events like Night Hike 2025 demonstrate proactive community engagement.​
What challenges does the charity face?
Demand surges as cancer affects one in two people lifetime, described as a “pivotal time for cancer care” in PG Web UK reporting on the CEO appointment.
The new leadership aims to shape the “next stage” amid these pressures, with Ms Nugent focused on sustaining and expanding free services.​
How has the media covered the appointment?
Multiple outlets announced the news on 8 January 2026. PG Web UK titled it “New boss for Enfield charity at ‘pivotal time for cancer care’,” stating The Nightingale appointed Ms Nugent “to ‘lead the charity in an exciting new chapter’.”​
Enfield Dispatch on Facebook posted:
“New boss announced for Enfield cancer charity Meral Nugent replaces Nick Jacobs as CEO of The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre.”​
Love Your Doorstep Enfield on Facebook shared:
“An exciting new chapter for Nightingale Cancer Support Centre with the appointment of their new CEO Meral Nugent.”​
Earlier PG Web UK coverage in 2025 noted the charity recruiting a new CEO, aligning with the transition.​
What is the significance of this leadership change?
Sam, chair of trustees, described Ms Nugent as “exceptionally well placed” to guide expansion, signalling optimism for broader reach in Enfield.​
The appointment follows Mr Jacobs’ expansions, positioning The Nightingale for sustained growth in vital services.
As Ms Nugent takes helm, the charity reinforces its free-access model at a time when cancer support remains indispensable across north London communities.
This transition underscores commitment to evolving needs, with Ms Nugent’s insider knowledge and external expertise promising continuity and innovation. Coverage portrays it as an “exciting new chapter,” vital for a charity embedded in Enfield since 2002.
The Nightingale continues breaking taboos and fostering open conversations, as seen in campaigns like “Get talking about your prostate.
