Avril

Chief Technology Officer and Award-Winning Entrepreneur. 
Loves good food, big dreams and a giggle. 

Shortlisted in Computer Weekly's top 50 most influential women in UK tech 2024 - vote now open.

Entrepreneur

Avril founded Cancer Central, an award-winning technology charity and platform, created with thanks to 70,000 donated hours, by over 300 individuals and 60 organisations, supporting more than 10,000 people throughout this time. 

During Covid-19, Cancer Central’s Ask Ave chatbot solution supported NHS Scotland with over 1 million covid enquiries.

Now Founding Partner of the Cancer Awareness Trust, Cancer Central's technical and intellectual insights are informing the build and development of Cancer Platform.

The following Greatest Hits video is a dedication to everyone who supported Cancer Central.

Multiple Award Winner

Entrepreneur of the year,
Women in IT Awards 2019.

Healthtech innovation
of the year, Digital Leaders Awards 2019. Article in the Evening Standard.

Best public sector project,
Computing Digital, Technology Leaders Awards 2021. A collaboration that enabled Scotland's NHS to rapidly scale to meet huge spikes in enquiries during COVID-19.

Best Cloud-Native Project, 
International Cloud Awards 2022.  A collaboration that enabled Scotland's NHS to rapidly scale to meet huge spikes in enquiries during COVID-19.

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)


At the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and previously, Royal Institute of British Architects. Featured in Computer Weekly's most influential women in UK tech 2023 long list, 4 years in a row and finalist, CTO of the Year at the Women in IT awards 2022. 

Author

Be with me, It's c

Published May 2016, out of print

A book containing poems and adaptations; to accompany you with the big c. It’s also for family and friends who wish to learn; and offer more than a cup of tea. To encourage you all to write your feelings; scribbling notes, fears and dreams is key. Breast cancer sparks so many emotions; this is for you and me.

Taking that leap of faith

Published Sep 2019, out of print

Author of 'Be with me, It’s c' and senior technology leader Avril Chester is going it alone. Embarking on her new social enterprise and tech start-up called Cancer Central, she is writing her next book, ‘Taking that leap of faith’ along the way. This is her first year. What could possibly happen?

Tech Treats & Treasures

Published Jun 2022, out of print

In partnership with One Golden Nugget, sponsored by intergence and embracent, a technology feel-good book full of fun, positivity, and words of encouragement. Short stories and golden nuggets from over 80 inspirational Leaders. Proceeds went to Cancer Central; helping people affected by cancer to find the support and information they need.

Podcast Host

Tech Treats & Treasures

A celebration of a book full of technology tales and golden nuggets of advice. Over 80 remarkable leaders supported Cancer Central by sharing their insight across 10 episodes.  Jul - Sep 2023.


Listen on Spotify

The 3 Digital Amigos

Welcome to the 3 Digital Amigos Podcast, where Craig Ambler, Avril Chester and Chris Lord talk in a non techie and fun way about all things digital.  Nov 2019 - Oct 2022.

Listen on Spotify

Speaker

Draws upon her experience in the world of technology and innovation with her career highlights and wobbles. Passionate about sharing and learning together, Avril energetically delivers and engages, meaning anything could happen...

chat@avrilchester.com    @MeMyselfAndAve

© Avril Chester 2024