The Power of Medicinal Mushrooms

ION’s Fundraising Networking Event
An evening of connection and discovery

7 November, 16:00 – 20:30 BMA House

Join us for a vibrant evening bringing together students, alumni, and the wider ION community for conversation, connection, and a deep dive into one of the most talked-about topics in nutrition right now: medicinal mushrooms.

This is more than just an event. It’s an opportunity to:

• Reconnect with friends and meet fellow practitioners
• Discover the therapeutic potential of medicinal mushrooms
• Support the next generation of nutritional professionals

Set in the elegant BMA House, the evening includes expert talks, an engaging panel discussion, delicious food and drink, a goody bag, and a charity raffle with fantastic prizes.

All proceeds will support our mission to expand access to personalised nutrition education and fund new learning opportunities.

Book your place

Early bird price: £45 – book by 10 September!
After this date, tickets increase to £70.

Date: Friday 7 November 2025
Time: 16:00 – 20:30
Location: BMA House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JP

Theme: The Power of Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane, chaga, and cordyceps have been used for centuries, but only now are we beginning to understand the mechanisms behind their effects. These mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds supporting immune function, cognitive health, gut integrity, and stress resilience.

At this event, we’ll dive into the current evidence base – what we know, what we don’t, and how nutritional therapists may safely begin to integrate medicinal mushrooms into clinical practice. We’ll also explore key issues such as product quality, bioavailability, interactions, and the responsible use of supplements. 

Whether you’re a student, practitioner, or simply curious, this panel will offer fresh insight and practical takeaways.

Speakers

We’re thrilled to welcome a panel of expert voices who bring science, clinical insight, and personal passion to the topic.

Dawn Waldron

Dawn Waldron has spent 30 years working to change breast cancer outcomes. Following her own diagnosis in 1997, she enrolled at ION to help herself and others with evidence-based diet and lifestyle support. Her current research focuses on optimising mitochondrial flux, an approach that can work alongside a wide range of treatment modalities. No longer working as a clinician, Dawn now spends her time writing, researching and teaching. In 2025, she received the Yes to Life Holistic Cancer Care Innovator Award.

Tom Baxter

Bristol Fungarium planted its mycelial roots from humble beginnings with founder Tom Baxter, an organic farmer and former Forest School leader. Drawn increasingly to fungi, Tom recognised the growing demand for organic mushroom products and shifted focus—while staying connected to the Earth. Founded in 2020, Bristol Fungarium cultivates the finest quality, organic-certified UK-grown mushrooms, overseeing every step from spore to sterile lab work, liquid mycelium cultivation, and full-spectrum extraction.

Kirsten Chick

Kirsten Chick MSc. has been practising and teaching nutrition for over 20 years, and is the Nutrition Lead for integrative cancer charity Yes to Life. Her recent research into Mushrooms, Cancer and the Gut Microbiome has been published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine, and her book, Nutrition Brought to Life, is available worldwide. Kirsten is also the host of the IHCAN magazine podcast, aimed at nutritional therapists and functional medicine practitioners, and a member of BANT, CNHC, BSIO and RCCM.