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Bridget Barker
Name:
Bridget Barker
Job title:
Chief Executive Officer
Place of work / study:
Tell us a little about yourself:
I run the charity which includes ensuring appropriate governance, fundraising, marketing, arranging various events and using the charity’s money to support the RAD Fellows’ Development Programme as well as investing in innovative projects to accelerate research into dementia.
I trained as a lawyer and was at Macfarlanes, a City of London, law firm, for 37 years where I specialised in private equity funds and financial services regulation. Upon retirement I have taken on a number of NED roles -but am also helping Race Against Dementia. I am a keen gardener and tennis player, love swimming and walking my dogs.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
At 44, quite out of the blue, I had my first baby -a miracle! My daughter is now reading philosophy at St Andrews.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
My maternal grandmother had dementia. My mother had died early and my grandmother kept asking where she was -very distressing.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Be open to all opportunities and make sure you have good mentors around you; they will want to help you.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
I have just finished The White Ship by Charles Spencer. All true -its English history -but feels like a thriller. It is a great read.
Can we find you on Twitter?
Not personally, but please do take a look at our Race Against Dementia account
