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Dr Hadwen Trust appoints Dr Kit Byatt as new chairman

Dr Hadwen Trust appoints Dr Kit Byatt as new chairman

Consultant physician and geriatrician, Dr Christopher (Kit) Byatt, has been appointed Chairman of the Dr Hadwen Trust for Humane Research (DHT).

Dr Byatt is currently a consultant at the Wye Valley NHS Trust’s County Hospital in Hereford.  His expertise and experience span some 33 years, predominantly spent in geriatric and general medicine.

He has published papers relating to clinical practice and has been very actively involved in medical education, from providing work experience to school children looking to study medicine at university through leading local study groups on the ethics of animal experimentation to activity in postgraduate medical education at a national level.

Dr Byatt, a dedicated supporter of the Dr Hadwen Trust, said: “I have supported the DHT for many years.  It is easy simply to criticise current research approaches but the DHT acts to change things for the better via investment in alternative research techniques. It is my responsibility to help the DHT in its quest to replace animal experimentation with alternative, but still scientifically valid, approaches.”

Dr Byatt’s appointment follows Isobelle Gladstone’s retirement as Chair after 4 years of dedicated service in that role. A Trustee since 1986, she will remain on the Board of Trustees and said: “I am extremely pleased that Kit will be my successor. He is an enthusiastic, wise and compassionate man and we have valued his input enormously since he joined the Board of Trustees.”

Kailah Eglington, Chief Executive of the Dr Hadwen Trust, said:  “It is a privilege to be working with someone as passionate and committed at Dr Byatt.  His medical pedigree coupled with an appreciation of the world around him including all animals, human or otherwise, will bring a unique perspective to the DHT.”

Ends
Media contact:
Paul Maguire/ Lucie Cox
M: +44 (0) 7947 799651/ 07909 910917
T: +44 (0) 1438 791029
E: drhadwentrust@magnitepr.com
Notes to editors:
The Dr Hadwen Trust for Humane Research (DHT) is the UK’s leading medical research charity funding and promoting the development of techniques and procedures to replace the use of animals in biomedical research and testing.  The DHT was established in 1970 and is supported by patrons such as Dame Judi Dench, Joanna Lumley, Brian May and David Shepherd.  Funded solely by charitable donations, the DHT has awarded grants to over 140 research projects for some of the most advanced and successful human-related techniques in diverse areas of medical research including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, kidney, heart and liver disease and diabetes.