Jonathan Ball, Chief Executive, writes:

We are deeply sorry to share the sad news that our former Career and Resourcing Business Partner Katharine Callus has died. She has been unable to work with us for  4½ years, battling a rare ovarian cancer with exemplary courage and determination which saw her recently travelling to Greece for pioneering treatment which she herself had sourced. Sadly Katharine succumbed to her illness peacefully last Friday afternoon.

Katharine joined one of our predecessor charities The C Group in April 2014 after successfully managing a commercial recruitment agency, where she had worked in partnership with national, regional and local firms as well as public sector clients, promoting the merits of hiring her candidates. She was instrumental in establishing a professional employment advice service to Royal Marines being medically discharged from the Corps through her first-hand knowledge of the commercial employment market. She advised and supported countless Bootnecks in demonstrating the relevance of their experience, skills and aptitudes when applying for employment, and how to attract an employer’s attention. She built up practical relationships with national and local firms across the UK who were keen to consider Royal Marines as employees. Many of those Katharine supported kept in touch with her after they found employment, and stayed in touch through her illness. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and hard work over her four years in office.

Her funeral will be a private occasion for her family, but if you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers in her memory please log on to gctrf.org where you can access the donate now facility. This organisation was close to Kath’s heart as it works hard to discover treatments for the very rare cancer Kath endured.

The Trustees and staff extend their sincere condolences and thoughts to Katharine’s family and friends.