London, England, United Kingdom
Leanne Armitage is a doctor, speaker, author, and BBC children's television presenter whose mission is to inspire people to become the best version of themselves. Through sharing her story and the obstacles she has overcome, she empowers others to step into their purpose with confidence and courage. She has spoken on national and international platforms and is known for her ability to connect authentically with people from all walks of life. In 2022, she authored and published her first book, The Power of a Dream - a practical guide designed to help people overcome fear and pursue their ambitions. She also speaks on topics including resilience, sustainable performance, wellbeing, and building a purpose-driven career. Leanne is passionate about healthcare and currently works as a GP trainee, developing a specialist interest in Lifestyle Medicine with a focus on holistic, preventive, and evidence-based approaches to patient wellbeing. Alongside her medical career, Leanne works as a presenter on the BBC children's television programme Operation Ouch!, helping to engage and educate young audiences about health and science. In 2018, she co-founded The Armitage Foundation, a charity promoting diversity across UK medical schools. This work led to national recognition when she received the UK Queen's Young Leaders Award from the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. She was named a LinkedIn Top Voice in 2020 and has featured across mainstream media, including Channel 4 News, BBC Radio, ITV News, and the BBC. In 2025, she was recognised by Grant Thornton in their Portraits of Power exhibition, a project celebrating the brilliance, resilience, and leadership of Black professionals across the UK. Outside of work, Leanne enjoys exercising and is an avid gym-goer. She also loves spending time with friends and can often be found on a dance floor.
Operation Ouch! is a BAFTA award-winning children’s TV show focused on making science and medicine fun and accessible for young audiences. As a presenter, I explore the human body, run experiments, and explain how it works in a way that’s engaging, educational, and entertaining.
The Armitage Foundation is a charity committed to increasing diversity across UK medical schools. Our work focuses on delivering medical outreach programmes to students from under-represented backgrounds, namely low socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnic minorities. Our programmes are designed to inspire, equip and increase their self-confidence which will better position them to be successful medical applicants.
Anthony Nolan is a medical charity that saves the lives of patients with blood cancer, and other blood disorders, by matching them with suitable donors. Through their work, every day they give three people a second chance of life! As a member of the board of trustees, I’ll help drive the strategic direction and long-term vision for the charity, so that it can effectively continue its life-saving work.