STATEMENT:

Firstly I’d like to say how lovely it is to meet you all.

For some of you this may be the first time I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you, so I will take just a minute to explain who I am. I am the mascot and the face of ‘Once Upon A Smile’ and you will be seeing lots of me over the coming years. I cannot wait to bring smiles to the faces of those families who need it most. Together we can make this happen…one smile at a time!
You will be seeing me at all the football matches we take part in. I will also be making appearances at many schools, hospitals and hospices throughout the UK. Who knows, maybe I will appear in the odd magazine and newspaper – I’m a very busy bear!

If you’re on Twitter why not follow me @Sidley_OUAS and see what I’m up to!

I am available to buy from the ‘Once Upon a Smile’ shop and I would love for people to submit photographs of me on their travels. The more unique the place the better. Don’t forget to put your name on your pictures, as well as the place name and date!

Together we will make a difference and create many smiles.

Warm Wishes
Sidley
Sidley Smiles

BIO:

Born in Oldham, Daniel currently role is that of Charity Manager. Daniel oversea's all aspects of the daily running and growth of Once Upon a Smile.
Daniel is also an actor having appeared on many TV show's over the years.

An avid Manchester United fan, he loves any type of sport, but is adamant that darts, is not a sport.

STATEMENT:

I am often asked ‘Have you lost a child’, when people hear of my part in the founding of this charity. The answer, thankfully is no. I’m not sure I would have the strength and courage of our families if I was to experience that.

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, volunteers and supporters, without them none of this would be possible.

I am very proud and honoured about not only what we have achieved to date but what we have planned for the future.

To run this charity on 2 full time members of staff, is something we should be proud of.

2014, saw us introduce our ‘Children’s Bereavement Support Groups’, our newest support arm, but one that shows no signs of slowing down. The demand for this service in such a small space of time, shocked everyone.

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.

BIO:

Danny, together with friend and fellow actor Daniel Jillings, set up Once Upon A Smile (OUAS) in 2011. Danny is the co-founder and chief ambassador of Once Upon A Smile.

Danny has been actively involved in various charity drives. In February 2011, he organised the Gavin Blyth Memorial Cup and Ball in honour of his close friend, Emmerdale producer Gavin Blyth who had succumbed to cancer. The events raised £60,000 for the Macmillan Cancer Support. The 2nd Gavin Blyth Memorial Ball was held in February 2012, through which funds amounting to £25,000 were raised.

Danny is also captain of the OUAS Celebrity Football FC (formerly known as M1 Charity Football Team), having played in several charity matches to raise funds for various causes.

STATEMENT:

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 commitee, supporters and volunteers, it wouldn't have been possible.

BIO:

Paul qualified as an accountant 12 years ago. He setup his own practice in 2005, Sedulo Group, which specialises in New Media, technology, Sports and Charity clients. The business offers very strategic financial advice, wealth management, taxation advice, along with business growth strategies and ultimately advises on the disposal of businesses.

Throughout this period of time Paul has been on the board of a number of companies in the UK and Europe and advised on a number of fund raises, acquisitions and disposals particularly in and around the online sector.

STATEMENT:

'I approach all my work with personality, enthusiasm and dedication and was particular attracted to Once Upon A Smile simply because the standards of the charity reflected those of my own. I've been Chair of the charity since 2012.'

BIO:

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.

STATEMENT:

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.

BIO:

James Bancroft set up his own security business in August 2010 after gaining extensive experience within the Security Industry. Exclusec Security Solutions Ltd specialise in providing professional security and training services throughout the Northwest to organisations, individuals and businesses. Running his business is definitely his ‘hobby’!

STATEMENT:

Once Upon a Smile lies very close to my heart and I am very proud to be a trustee of this amazing and inspirational charity. I am lucky to be able to see the day to day activities and hard work that the team at Once Upon a Smile undertake and see the positive influence that it has on the families that the charity helps. I very much enjoy being part of this charity and the satisfaction that it brings when helping bereaved families who face extremely difficult circumstances.

BIO:

Richard`s expertise is involved in franchising and Business start up`s. Richard has worked on a variety of international projects and launched New magazines that are very successful in their business sector. He has also advised Major Brands in their franchise development like Subway, Papa John`s, Pizza Hut to name a few in the UK Market. He has worked very closely with Major Corporate Banks and has an extensive client database. Richard`s achievements has seen him sit on the British Franchise Association Franchisor Recruitment committee for the last 2 years and he has also run the New York Marathon for charity. Happily married to Yvette with 3 wonderful sons.

STATEMENT:

It`s been a fantastic honor to have been involved right from the start of the charity. To see where we are now and what we have achieved with the small team is amazing. At times it's overwhelming to see the great support we receive from our supporters and friends and families that we have been able to help. It's a pleasure to be part of a great trustee group who still have huge plans going forward

BIO:

After studying Law at University, Ben embarked upon a career in accountancy, becoming a qualified chartered accountant in 2007. Ben then chose to specialise in insolvency, and qualified as an insolvency practitioner in 2010, and is now part of Cowgill Holloway Business Recovery LLP. The firm specialises in turnaround and formal insolvency procedures.

STATEMENT:

Once Upon a Smile struck me as unique charity in the help it provides to the community. The enthusiasm, care and values shown by the existing trustees meant that it was a no brainer when I was invited to be a part of the team. This charity is making a real difference to lives, and is operating in the right way. I’m proud to be involved.

BIO:

Lorna joined Once Upon A Smile as Fundraising Manager to build on the existing fundraising successes of the charity and establish strong links with the community and corporate partners, as well as support for our ongoing events.
She has a solid fundraising and product development background having spent time at Cash for Kids, Sale Sharks and Manchester United.

STATEMENT:

I’m really excited to be working with such a great worthwhile cause, that really makes a difference to the lives of the families we work with.  Once Upon A Smile is a charity that just keeps growing and growing with such a positive impact and I am excited to be part of the charity future.

BIO:

Billy has worked for Oldham Athletic Football Club since leaving school in a number of roles under various managers. Still employed full time by Oldham Atheltic, Billy has joined the OUAS team a volunteer football liaison. Billy's role will be assisting on the arrangement and running of the Charity Football Team.

STATEMENT:

I am delighted to be onboard with Once Upon a Smile and offer my assistance with the planning and arranging of the charity football games. Working in professional football has allowed me to gain great knowledge and I hope to be able to apply this to the charity games and squad within OUAS.

BIO:

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.

STATEMENT:

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.