Daniel is our Co-Founder and CEO. Daniel overseas all aspects of running and growth of Once Upon a Smile.
To think how far this charity has come since it was founded in 2011, seems unimaginable. It is however down to the hard work and dedication of all our trustee’s, staff, volunteers and supporters. Without them none of this would be possible.
I am delighted to lead this charity forward and ensure the support we offer is easily obtainable for even more families in the years to come.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has helped and support us since 2011.
Danny is Co-Founder and trustee of Once Upon a Smile.
Danny’s involvement in the set up of Once Upon a Smile is in honour of his close friend, Emmerdale producer Gavin Blyth who sadly passed away.
I feel a great sense of pride with what we have achieved to date. The difference we have made to families is invaluable and this is evident by the thank you letters we recieve.
To think we only founded in 2011, is just incredible but without our committee, supporters and volunteers, it wouldn’t have been possible.
Previously I have worked supporting children, young adults and their families in various different circumstances within education and charitable organisations. I have an interest in psychology and have studied this formally in the past.
I enjoy being creative; love sewing and baking and getting outdoors walking, especially along the coast.
I am really glad to be a part of the Once Upon a Smile Team. It’s great to be involved in such a passionate and supportive charity and see the positive impact that the team has on the families that they support.
Kelly joined once upon a smile in September 2014 to develop high quality services to bereaved families. She brings many years experience of working in statutory and non statutory services managing staff, volunteers and building projects to support children and young people most at risk.
In 2008 Kelly co-founded and managed a children’s charity where she successfully developed creative bereavement programmes supporting hundreds of families in the north west. Having personal experience of losing a parent as a child Kelly is passionate about providing an accessible support service to lessen the isolation children face following the death of a loved one.
Prior to joining Once Upon a Smile Kelly was employed by a national leading children’s charity whereby she lead on the development of expanding delivery of their services. Kelly has strong networking skills and proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with high level business leaders and heads of Corporate Social Responsibility.
Bereavement can turn your life upside down and I’m thrilled to be involved with a charity that offers a wide variety of support. Our groups provide a fun and safe environment to help children and young people express feelings to enable them to achieve their hopes & dreams.
Sandra has worked with Kelly Willison as a volunteer since 2008. Sandra has vast experience in supporting bereaved children and we were delighted to welcome Sandra to our team.
I am delighted to become part of the team here, having been a volunteer for a number of year, I saw first hand the passion, dedication and difference this charity was making and I am delighted to be able to be part of that support.
A qualified counsellor, specialised in working with children and young people. I dedicated many years working as a volunteer bereavement counsellor. I have worked within a variety of settings including the NHS, education and residential care supporting children and their families with various issues.
I enjoy lots of outdoor activities and often take part in local 10k runs for charity. I love being creative and combine my love of photography with my own poetry.
I first became aware of once upon a smile when I attended one of their football matches at Oldham Athletic some years ago. I love the ethos of the charity and I am looking forward to being part of this amazing team.
Angela joined Once Upon a Smile to cover Lorna whilst she is away on maternity leave, Angela has a strong charity background having worked for 3 charities since graduating the Chester University where she studied Events Management.
It was instantly apparent to me how dedicated the team at Once Upon a Smile are to the families that they support; to see the positive impact that the team has on the families encourages me to raise as much funds as possible.