Cherri Bray-McKay

Tell us a bit about your background.

I am part of a blended family, living with my husband, four children and two dogs. I have very recently decided to take a leap and be a part of my husband's business and also start a small caravan Airbnb let, but previous to this I spent the last seven years working for a North East charity supporting a community and assisting in all areas that life throws at us.

I started out many moons ago working with children, then families, and then - after years of training - supporting and facilitating courses, I found a real passion for community work. I felt that I had many experiences in my own journey that I could empathise and support others with understanding and without judgement.

"...through Fuse my experiences and opinions count and more importantly my voice is heard, and not just my voice, potentially the voice for thousands of other women in similar situations with similar views."

Cherri Bray-McKay, Fuse Public Partner

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love the outdoors and love nothing more than being in my campervan, away from the busy distractions of life. I love walking, being in the sea and pottering about with my house plants. I'll be honest, I'm fortunate enough to say there's a blurred line between what I like doing and work. Becoming self-employed means I'm able to have a varied role, build relationships and be hands on. All things that I like doing in my free time anyway.

How did you first get involved in the Fuse public partner network?

I first heard of Fuse while visiting a parent and toddler group where I was promoting the charity I worked for and the services it offered. I met Ella [Fuse Public Involvement and Engagement Manager] who explained what Fuse was and I instantly felt like it was something I wanted to get involved with. I felt it was an opportunity to give something back and support the research as well as also feeling that my experiences and views were contributing to shape research. I felt heard.

What areas of public health research are you particularly interested in?

Having children I find anything that may help shape services or create positive outcomes for them really interesting. I have a keen interest in healthy living and now I'm a women starting perimenopause, I’m keenly interested in research that supports women experiencing symptoms affecting their wellbeing and daily lives.

Have you been involved in research before?

No, not really. I had never heard of 'public partners' or what they were expected to do. I guess I thought: "who wants to hear my opinion?" Although as it turns out, Fuse does!  

Why is having your voice heard in public health research important to you?

It's important to me because I feel I'm a normal person living real, normal life. I'm a mum and step-mum, I juggle work life with washing clothes, and making sure the dogs are walked and the football kits are cleaned. I have limited time to feel like I can make a difference, but through Fuse my experiences and opinions count and more importantly my voice is heard, and not just my voice, potentially the voice for thousands of other women in similar situations with similar views.

What one piece of advice would you share with someone curious about public involvement and engagement?

The one piece of advice I would give would be: If you're interested, then get involved. You literally have nothing to lose and lots to gain. All research for me so far has been flexible, friendly and empowering. Your voice counts, so be heard.

Last modified: Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:22:06 BST