Dr Helen Leonard is a Consultant in Paediatric Neurodisability at Great North Children’s Hospital.

She is also an Associate Lecturer at Newcastle University, a member of NHS England’s Strategic Coproduction Group and a mother of three, one of whom, Matthew, is a young adult with severe, complex disabilities.

Helen has worked in the NHS since 1993 and has received services from health or social care since Matthew was born in 2000.

The experience with Matthew has influenced her life personally and professionally, including spending two years setting up a paediatric services overseas, as well as being a passionate advocate for families with disabled children.