Avril

An accomplished Chief Technology Officer, award-winning entrepreneur and Patron. Loves good food, big dreams and a giggle.

Recognised as one of Computer Weekly’s top 50 most influential women in UK tech 2024.

Entrepreneur

Avril's exceptional achievements include founding Cancer Central, the award-winning technology charity and platform now transferred to the Cancer Awareness Trust.

Created with thanks to over 300 individuals and 60 organisations donating more than 70,000 hours, Cancer Central supported over 10,000 people to find the support and information they needed.

During Covid-19, Cancer Central’s Ask Ave chatbot solution assisted NHS Scotland by handling over 1 million Covid-related enquiries.  This partnership empowered NHS Scotland to swiftly expand its capacity, efficiently handling the surge in enquiries during the COVID-19 pandemic.


 As Founding Partner of the Cancer Awareness Trust, Cancer Central continues to drive innovation in cancer care with practical, technical, and intellectual insights informing the development of Cancer Platform.


The following Greatest Hits video is a heartfelt tribute 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 partnership that empowered NHS Scotland to swiftly expand its capacity, efficiently handling the surge in enquiries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Best Cloud-Native Project, 
International Cloud Awards 2022.  A partnership that empowered NHS Scotland to swiftly expand its capacity, efficiently handling the surge in enquiries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)


Recognised as one of Computer Weekly’s top 50 most influential women in UK tech 2024, Avril is currently the CTO at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, previously holding the same role at the Royal Institute of British Architects.


Avril is revolutionising the way medicine information is created and retrieved. This includes converting human-consumed content into machine-readable data, enhancing Pharmaceutical Press renowned publications such as the British National Formulary (BNF), Stockley and Martindale to advance the safe & effective use of medicines.


In addition, Avril is supporting the future of the pharmacy profession by creating a seamless, personalised digital experience tailored for the education and membership of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists.

Patron

Avril is Patron of Your SimPal, the only UK charity providing six months free SIM cards and phones to people affected by ill health and cancer, tackling digital poverty.


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.


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.

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 needed.

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.