Annabelle Vaughan Annabelle is a solicitor, specialising in Mental Capacity and protection of the vulnerable. Expand I am a Solicitor specialising in Mental Capacity and protection of the vulnerable. I act for a huge range of clients of all ages and backgrounds to help safeguard their wellbeing whilst also promoting their independence. Some but not all of my clients have the means to access equipment, breaks and experiences that hugely enrich their lives and I am delighted to be part of the Dreams Come True team that can help others have theses opportunities. Within the charity I have been able to use my experience to promote awareness of the issues facing children and young people with life limiting conditions. I have a mild disability myself which has always made me passionate about supporting individuals with challenges to achieve their dreams. I have previously been an Ambassador for The Rainbow Centre which provides conductive education for children with cerebral palsy and I was a Trustee for Hampshire Riding Therapy Centre. Outside of work and my charity commitments I live in the Hampshire Countryside with my soon to be husband and cat where we are all enjoying our new garden.
Rachel Humphrey Rachel is a Human Resources Director, and has been supporting Dreams Come True since 2014. Expand Rachel is a Human Resources Director for L&G, living in South East London with her husband Jonny and their two daughters Lara (17) and Mia (14)*. Rachel's son Myles had his wish made possible by Dreams Come True in January 2014, to go and visit the animals at London Zoo, a few weeks before he died of an aggressive form of cancer. He was just 2 and was a twin to Mia. Having experienced first hand the amazing work that Dreams Come True does for both young people and their families, she has been actively supporting the charity as a trustee and also in fundraising efforts and public speaking events ever since. *ages correct at time of writing in August 2025.
Jo Pavey I am thrilled to be part of such a good cause. Expand We are delighted to announce that Commonwealth Games Silver medalist and current Elite road runner, Jo Pavey, has agreed to become our running ambassador. Jo, a mother herself, has twice won the 10K Great Manchester Run and is now an elite Nike runner taking part in the 2011 London Marathon. "When Dreams Come True approached me to become involved in their charity it made perfect sense as it gave me the opportunity to combine my running career with a children's charity. Dreams Come True will have over 100 runners in this year's event and I am thrilled to be part of such a good cause."
Royal Patron HRH Princess Michael of Kent Having children of my own, I know what it means to be able to see your children smile. Expand When I learned about the work that Dreams Come True does for life-limited and seriously ill children, I could not help but be touched. The charity helps bring joy to those special children who often have nothing to look forward to except months of painful treatment. Given the dramatic benefits dreams can make to the children, their families and friends, I encourage you to join me in supporting this very worthy cause.
Neil Smith Neil is a chartered accountant with over 30 years of experience working as a finance leader in a number of listed businesses. He is Chair of the Finance Committee for Dreams Come True. Expand Neil is a chartered accountant with over 30 years of experience working as a finance leader in a number of listed businesses. He is currently the Finance Director of Fullers, Smith & Turner plc the premium pub owner and operator in the South and South-East of England. He was previously Chief Financial Officer of Domino's Pizza Group plc, Enterprise Inns plc and Telewest Global Inc and has held senior finance positions at Compass Group plc, Virgin Media and Somerfield plc. Neil is currently a trustee at Treloar's school and college where he has served as a trustee or governor since 2010 and is Chair of the Finance Committee for Dreams Come True.
Marsha Quallo-Wright Marsha Quallo-Wright is senior civil servant and brings a wide range of public sector experience to the board. Her career has focused on resilience and she has played a leading role in in the response to range of incidents including earthquakes, floods, Ebola and Covid-19. Expand Marsha Quallo-Wright is senior civil servant and brings a wide range of public sector experience to the board. Her career has focused on resilience and she has played a leading role in in the response to range of incidents including earthquakes, floods, Ebola and Covid-19. Marsha is also a neuroscientist and has extensive experience in science and research policy. She has also developed an iPhone app called baby brain training to support parents interested in evidence-based activities. Marsha is passionate about social mobility and supporting disadvantaged communities. She is mentor for several young women. Is a long-standing mentor for a social mobility foundation and is a school governor at a north London primary school. Marsha is excited to bring her public sector experience and networks to Dreams Come True and to help the charity identify and access the most disadvantaged communities.
Karen Wilson Karen is an extremely experienced trustee of children's charities, and join us after a 17 year career as CEO at Hoggett Bowers. Karen is Chair of the Nominations Committee. Expand Karen was educated in Spain and the UK and graduated in Finance from Leeds. She then qualified as an Accountant and worked in various sectors prior to moving into recruitment. The move into recruitment allowed her exposure to a wide range of businesses and the various challenges /opportunities they faced at differing stages in their growth and development. The search business also afforded Karen the chance to meet and work with the widest range of people at differing stages in their careers. She was CEO for 17 years of a leading Search firm, Hoggett Bowers, prior to stepping down in December 2023. In addition to appointing people who have made a tremendous difference to the organisations who recruited them Karen is proud of being able to coach and advise a wide range of people, often over many years, as they have progressed their careers. During her career in Search Karen became increasingly aware of how experiences in childhood remains with adults throughout their lives. Karen took an early interest in DE&I and led Hoggett Bowers to Gold Status with Clear Assured as well as becoming the first Search firm to become RIDI 100. For the last 10 years she has also been a trustee within Children’s charities. Having now moved from executive life Karen is looking to expand this interest in Children’s charity further. Karen is married to Chris and has 2 adult stepchildren. Her interests include travel and history and is an avid reader. Karen is Chair of the Nominations Committee.
Jayne Franks Jayne joins us after a 30 year career in HR and is now the Head of HR, UK and EMEA for the world- renowned Sothebys Auction House. Expand Jayne’s career spans 30 years of which most, has been spent in Human Resources. Starting life in retail with Sainsburys supermarkets and moving to Financial Services and Private Banking, Jayne is now the Head of HR, UK and EMEA for Sothebys Auction House. During her career Jayne has gained experience within private and publicly owned companies dealing with all aspects of the Human Capital strategy, including advising and coaching senior leaders, cultural change, organisational design, performance management, diversity and inclusion and leadership. Jayne has also gained experience in Mergers and Acquisitions and in addition as a leader herself, has led large teams of HR professionals often across the globe. Jayne is married to David and has two daughters, lives in West London and in her spare time, enjoys exercising, cooking and spending time with her family.
Jon Peppiatt Jon is an Independent Business Consultant, having spent 35 years working at two of the UK’s most creative advertising agencies and is an advocate for mental health awareness in the work place. Expand Jon is an Independent Business Consultant, having spent 35 years working at two of the UK’s most creative advertising agencies, CDP and BBH. He was part of BBH’s Leadership Team for 15 years, including 5 years as Chairman, before leaving in 2020 to set up his own business. Jon is also the Non-Executive Chairman of The BluePrint, a Global Exec Search business specialising in the Media Industry and a Board Trustee at NABS, a charity that is dedicated to advancing the mental wellness in the advertising, marketing and media community.
Bly Twomey Bly Towmey, 14, has won five gold medals in para table tennis. She won two bronze medals in the 2024 Paralympic games, and is Great Britain's youngest ever table tennis medallist. Expand Bly was born with cerebral palsy and has always loved sport. She only started table in 2021. She fell in love with the sport immediately and her talent was spotted at a multi-sport camp for SEN children, after which she was asked to go regularly to Brighton Table Tennis Club where she trains today. Bly is a phenomenon of sporting achievement. Earlier this year she secured her place as number four in world rankings and qualified for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Whilst there, she went on to win two bronze medals, making her Great Britain's youngest table tennis medallist ever. After her history making victory, Bly said: I really hope to inspire other young people, and I think with them watching me, maybe they can go and achieve what I have also achieved. She is also ranked number one in doubles, fourth in singles and first in the Under23s category – yet she’s still only 14! Bly is not only top of her class in paralympic sport but also in able-bodied table tennis which is unheard of. She won bronze in U13 nationals in 2023 and came 5th in the U15s national cup. She is truly inspiring and taking the table tennis community by storm. Bly Says: “I am delighted to be an Ambassador for Dreams Come True. The charity supports many children with many different conditions, including cerebral palsy. I truly believe my dreams have come true through table tennis - competing in the Paralympics is all I’ve been dreaming of since I started playing sport and now that is going to happen in August. By supporting this charity I hope I can make dreams come true for children like me.” You can discover more about Bly and her incredible achievements below! Learn More
Will Bayley MBE Wiil Bayley MBE is ranked world number 1 in para table tennis and won silver during the Paris Paralympics in August 2024 - his seventh of his career. Expand Born with arthrogryposis, a rare congenital disorder that affected all four of his limbs, Will underwent many operations from the age of three months old. He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma at 7 years old and it was whilst he was recovering from cancer that his grandmother bought him a table tennis table. The rest is history! Will won his first major title at the European Championships in 2011 and was voted Players Player of the year. Will became World champion in 2014 and Paralympic champion in Rio 2016. He won singles gold medals in Italy, Slovenia and Japan in 2019. He won silver at the Tokyo 2022 game and went on to win silver again in Paris 2024 – his seventh successive paralympic medal. Will is heralded as the most successful British Paralympic Table Tennis player of all time – he is currently* reigning World and European champion. Will also took part in the 2019 Strictly Come Dancing BBC TV competition and is father to two girls. *time of writing June 2024 Will says: “It is wonderful to be supporting Dreams Come True. Naturally the difficulties I’ve had in my life as child means I have so much passion for those who have challenges and are supported by Dreams Come True. It’s a great privilege to be able to lend my support and champion the vital work the charity undertakes. If my support can build more dreams for children who are deserving, then I’m in!” You can discover more about Will and his incredible achievements below! Learn More
Does the dream have to be same for children in the same family? Expand No - applications are considered on an individual basis and children can have their own unique dream. Of course if they would like a joint dream, this can be arranged but please make a note in the relating referral forms that there is a joint dream being requested. For any other questions or to speak to a member of the team, please get in touch.
I am working with a family where multiple siblings qualify for a dream – do I have to apply individually? Expand Yes – each dream is unique and considered as such. You will need to submit individual application for each child, even if the dream is to be taken together (like a holiday).
The Kentown Wizard Foundation When Ken Townsley set up The Kentown Wizard Foundation in 2017 he very generously selected four charities to support - Dreams Come True was one of those inaugural charities, and the Kentown Wizard Foundation have been a supporter of Dreams Come True ever since. Expand When Ken Townsley set up The Kentown Wizard Foundation in 2017 he very generously selected four charities to support - Dreams Come True was one of those inaugural charities, and the Kentown Wizard Foundation have been a supporter of Dreams Come True ever since. With their support and generosity, we have been able to make dreams a reality for hundreds of children up and down the country, and most recently have launched a new dream initiative in the North West. In 2024, Dreams Come True began a programme of dream-making in Blackpool and the North-West after being awarded a five-year grant from The Kentown Wizard Foundation. This programme continues our mission of delivering dreams in areas that experience high levels of deprivation, reaching the children who truly need our help the most. Anna Twentyman, Interim CEO of The Kentown Wizard Foundation says “It’s great to see the children of Blackpool receiving the support they truly deserve from such a dedicated charity. I look forward to following the next chapter of Dreams Come True’s journey as they continue to deliver many more dreams in the years ahead!” Thank you to the team and trustees at The Kentown Wizard foundation for being #DreamMakers. Discover more about our work with the Kentown Wizard Foundation
Are there any dreams you do not offer? Expand We do our best to say yes to as many requests as possible, but there may be some instances a dream cannot be delivered. If you / the family have something in mind you’re unsure about, please discuss this with a member of our Dream team. Contact button can be found below. We cannot grant a dream for the following: Overseas holiday Cars Pets Hot tubs Summer houses Any equipment that should be provided by a statutory service. Any cosmetic treatment including wigs Treatment costs
Does the family have to pay for the dream? Expand No – we do what we can to ensure all costs are covered by Dreams Come True. We will work with the family to make them aware of what will be included in their dream experience.
How long does it take for the dream to be fulfilled? Expand This depends on the dream and the family’s circumstances. Some dreams can be granted instantly, others take a bit more planning. Usually our dreams are completed between 3 – 9 months. Note: Please allow at least 2-3 months between application and a holiday date for UK Holidays. Please ensure the family are ready to proceed with their dream at the point of referral, for example they are currently able to travel, or are not planning on moving where a makeover has been requested.
Susan Martindale Susan Martindale is an experienced executive and passionate advocate for people and purpose. As Group HR Director and Executive Committee member at Mitchells & Butlers, she leads the People strategy for a 47,000-strong workforce. Expand Susan Martindale is an experienced executive and passionate advocate for people and purpose. As Group HR Director and Executive Committee member at Mitchells & Butlers, she leads the People strategy for a 47,000-strong workforce, shaping a culture that drives sustained business success. With a career rooted in hospitality, Susan brings broad commercial expertise across HR, operations, procurement and transformation. Her governance experience includes serving on the Remuneration Committee, the M&B Charity Board and previously as a trustee on the company’s Pension Board. A qualified coach and dedicated mentor, Susan is committed to unlocking potential in others. She spearheaded M&B’s award-winning youth strategy, delivering inclusive apprenticeship programmes from entry-level to master’s degree, with a strong focus on social mobility and long-term career pathways. Her values-driven leadership and deep understanding of organisational culture make her a valuable contributor to boards focused on people, education, and community impact. Outside of work, Susan loves dining out and exploring new cuisines, staying ahead of hospitality trends, and travelling with her husband Alistair, family and friends.
Simon Linares Simon, who stood down as Chair after six years, now sits on our board as a trustee. He has an extensive career as a senior executive in several FTSE International businesses and is an experienced Charity trustee. Expand Having been Chair of Dreams Come True for the last six year, Simon has stepped down but has kindly agreed to remain as a trustee on the Board as we enter an exciting new chapter. Simon has an extensive career as a senior executive in several FTSE international businesses. Simon was the Group HR Director for Direct Line Group from 2014-2020 and Trustee and Chair of the Nominations committee of Kids Out Charity from 2012-2020. He is also a Non-Executive Director at The Nottingham Building Society and Mentor to several senior business leaders. Simon brings extensive experience in senior Commercial and Human Resources roles across multiple sectors including Consumer Goods, Telecommunications, Financial Services and a range of Digital Businesses and is able to contribute to the charities strategic development, leadership, culture and managing change. Simon is a partner to Dave, parent to Becky and enjoys anything that includes friends, food or travelling - and ideally all three at the same time! 'I am passionate about helping enhance the lives of children and young people, and enabling them to live their lives to the fullest extent possible. The positive difference Dreams Comes True makes to so many young lives is so amazing and humbling, and it's a privilege to be able to join the team as we look to the future and continuing to help even more of those that others won't or can't help'
Christina Sandkühler (Chair) Christina Sandkuhler joined Dreams Come True as Board Chair in March 2026. She joins the charity with a wealth of senior executive experience and more than 20 years of helping organisations grow responsibly, strengthen governance and deliver lasting impact across the private and not-for-profit sectors. Expand Christina Sandkühler is a board chair, trustee and senior executive with more than 20 years of experience helping organisations grow responsibly, strengthen governance and deliver lasting impact across the private and not-for-profit sectors. Christina was immediately drawn to Dreams Come True’s commitment to improving opportunities for children and communities facing disadvantage. She believes deeply in the power of these life-changing experiences to create moments of joy, confidence and resilience for children and their families during incredibly challenging times. I am truly honoured to take on the role of Chair at Dreams Come True. What makes this charity so special to me is its focus on children who are too often overlooked, living with both serious illness and significant social disadvantage. The incredible Dreams Come True team creates life-changing experiences that bring joy, confidence, and lasting memories not only for the children, but also for their families and communities. Every child deserves the chance to dream, no matter the challenges they face. I am incredibly proud to support this mission and look forward to working with the team, trustees and partners to ensure even more children and families can experience the hope and happiness that Dreams Come True makes possible. Alongside this role, Christina serves as Chair of the Board of Integrity Global Ltd, where she previously held an executive position as Chief Commercial Officer. In that role she helped guide the organisation’s global transformation, growth and partnerships while championing inclusive leadership, ethical business practices and long-term development impact. Christina is also a trustee of the International Lawyers Project and FORWARD, organisations advancing justice, equality and the rights of women and communities around the world. Earlier in her career, Christina held senior communications and leadership roles including at LaSalle Investment Management and several leading communications agencies, working on strategy, stakeholder engagement and organisational transformation in complex international contexts. Christina is German and British and lives between Madrid and London with her family. A historian by training, she is passionate about Renaissance, travel and medical history. In her spare time she enjoys Spanish food, painting, and exploring nature and museums with her children.