Find out who’s who on the Board of Trustees at Target CSF Leaks.
Founder, CEO & Chair of the Trustees: Naomi Cornish
Naomi has a wealth of experience and a deep passion for our cause, underpinned by a strong track record in both leadership and generosity. Her expertise and dedication are invaluable assets to the charity, promising to guide our efforts in making a significant impact within the CSF leak community.
Naomi’s CSF leak began in January 2023 after a head injury at home. She was diagnosed with SIH in the April, and with a spine MRI showing a ventral fluid collection, the neurologists suggested a c-spine leak due to large bone spurs. Despite this, local treatment was unavailable, and she faced long waits for a neurology appointment. Following advice over the phone, she endured two weeks of strict bedrest and, while struggling alone, researched her condition extensively. By November 2023, no treatment or further investigations had been offered, and a neurosurgeon dismissed the findings as “insignificant”, suggesting a venous fistula instead.
Refusing to accept this, Naomi sought a second opinion of her spine MRI from a specialist consultant neuroradiologist who confirmed a ventral fluid collection and dural defect, so subsequently had her care referred over to another hospital, 300 miles away. After three CT Myelograms, her leak was officially confirmed ventral at T1/2.
Naomi had surgery on 20th November 2024 and is recovering well.
Naomi’s vision and her involvement in building up the charity is a testament to the solid foundation upon which the CIO is built.
Secretary: Helen Seager-Shaw
Helen is a qualified occupational therapist with extensive experience in her field, who will serve as our secretary. With her unique blend of clinical expertise and administrative skills, Helen will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of our organisation.
to be continued….
Vice Chair: Laura Bartrum
Laura’s diverse skillset and experience will be invaluable. With her background in law and her current ownership of a bridal business, she has the passion for helping people, a broad understanding of regulations and a keen eye for detail.
Laura’s journey with CSF leaks began in 2017 when she experienced an iatrogenic CSF leak caused by a lumbar puncture. Thankfully, this initial leak was successfully sealed with a blood patch. However, in the years that followed, Laura began to notice symptoms she now recognises were related to CSF pressure issues.
In February 2023, Laura faced a spontaneous CSF leak, identified as a dorsal nerve root sleeve tear at the T10/11 level. Attempts to treat the leak using a blood patch and fibrin glue proved unsuccessful. As a result, she underwent surgical repair in October 2023. While the surgery initially seemed successful, her symptoms returned in January 2024.
Further investigations revealed a fluid collection, and a myelogram confirmed a new ventral nerve root sleeve tear at the same location. This discovery led to a second surgery in September 2024, which successfully repaired the tear.
Unfortunately, Laura’s challenges did not stop there. In October 2024, she was diagnosed with arachnoiditis, adding another layer of complexity to her journey. More recently, she has been experiencing symptoms of low CSF pressure, which are currently under investigation by her medical team.
Through all these challenges, Laura has shown incredible resilience and determination. Her lived experience drives her passion as Vice Chair of Target CSF Leaks, where she advocates for increased awareness, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment for others facing similar battles. Laura’s story underscores the importance of listening to patients and ensuring they receive the care they need.
Elizabeth Pruett
Elizabeth Pruett (née Nay) has been a vital part of the Target CSF Leaks community from the early days of our Ambassador Programme. A passionate advocate and an unwavering voice for awareness, Elizabeth has played a central role in helping the CSF leak message reach new audiences, particularly through her background and skillset in social media and digital outreach.
Living with a complex medical history that includes Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and having both spinal and cranial CSF leaks, Elizabeth understands first-hand the physical, emotional, and systemic challenges that often come with these conditions. Her lived experience gives her a powerful perspective, one she uses to connect with others, communicate clearly, and drive meaningful change.
Her advocacy is rooted in compassion, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. Whether raising awareness, supporting fellow patients, or shaping our campaigns, Elizabeth brings energy, insight, and authenticity to everything she does. We’re proud to have her on our board, where her voice continues to make a real difference.