Trustees highlights supporting people affected by breast cancer

Our small but mighty charity has a wonderful board of trustees who help us to support people affected by breast cancer.

Delivering kindness

Without this incredible group of people, we could not do what we do! They help oversee and guide our work. Our Board of Trustees are 71% women and 41% have experience of breast cancer. Their experience and expertise are vital in guiding our charity and ensuring that our support is the best it can be.

Our amazing Board of Trustees

Karyn Maier – Chair of Trustees

Jon Hall – Treasurer (Finance)

Ella Wisbey (Marketing and Brand)

Per Hall (Medical Consultant)

Jill Ward (Legal & previous beneficiary)

Zoe Hill (Operations & previous beneficiary)

Talking with Karyn

Why is Little Lifts important to you?

Little Lifts operates at so many levels and for such a small charity it punches way above its weight. The Boxes, whether for chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery beneficiaries, are sourced and curated with such care and intelligence and the feedback we receive tells us we are getting them just right. The Little Lifts community that has grown beyond our wildest expectations is genuinely like being part of one big loving family. Our volunteers who now take on a host of responsibilities and roles with such talent and care freeing up our small but mighty staff team to take on new challenges and opportunities. All of this makes me so proud to be part of Little Lifts, coupled with our huge ambitions to support as many people in the UK with breast cancer as we possibly can.

What do you love about being a Trustee?

The Board of Trustees are an amazingly talented and committed group of people with such a different set of backgrounds and expertise. I learn something from each of them every time we meet and the whole Board just ‘gets’ Little Lifts, making our work together so fulfilling. As well as being creative and responsible, we are all able to offer challenge when needed plus being super keen to take on new opportunities as they arise.

Any standout moments from being a Trustee or involved with Little Lifts?

So, so many – from when we started around Oa’s kitchen table to where we are now – there are a lot to choose from. What stands out is how all of us as Trustees have taken on new challenges such as hula hoop marathons, fire walking, sky diving – the list goes on! But a standout for me was the John Lewis fashion show where Emma bravely took off her blazer as she walked her stuff along the catwalk – so emotionally uplifting and represented everything Little Lifts is about. Plus, our fifth ball, bringing together Trustees, staff, volunteers, beneficiaries and their families, corporate supporters, so many people who love and genuinely care about Little Lifts all in one huge aircraft hangar together – it was just joyous.

Challenges that Little Lifts has faced and how it has overcome them?

Covid comes to mind as a massive challenge not least of which was continuing to generate income via much restricted fundraising events, but somehow we did it. It’s important to remember the time lag after something so disruptive in terms of funding but also how long it takes to get things ‘back to normal’. This is where an aligned and committed Board of Trustees is essential, working closely with Oa as CEO and all of the Little Lifts team which I am pleased to say we did with strongly positive results.

Any other reflections or comments?

7 years in we have achieved so much but what is exciting is our shared sense of ambition and vision with so much more that we are determined to aspire to and achieve. It’s always a case of ‘watch this space’ with Little Lifts – our only way is up, that’s for sure.

Talking with Jill

Why is Little Lifts important to you?

I greatly appreciated receiving my very own Box, at a very difficult time, so overwhelmed by the attention to detail, thought given and care taken as to the contents, I had a need to respond. This charity had touched my heart with its kindness.

What do you love about being a Trustee?

I am honoured to have the opportunity to give back to this charity by being on the board of trustees, being part of a great, enthusiastic team and seeing it grow year on year.

Any standout moments from being a Trustee or involved with Little Lifts?

My very first hospital Box delivery to QE Kings Lynn. It was a very poignant moment for me, I had come full circle, from receiving a Box to delivering them myself, and as a trustee.

Challenges that Little Lifts has faced and how it has overcome them?

COVID! My first board meeting was an emergency meeting to deal with the effects of the pandemic, a true baptism of fire. The survival instinct kicked in and the Little Lifts community rose to the challenge, virtual fundraising, protocols to ensure Boxes were still delivered to the hospitals, we became a stronger, tighter unit as a result.

Any other reflections or comments?

Little Lifts is not just about the Box, the Box is the heartbeat, but the community which supports is just amazing. I am always astounded by the generosity of our sponsors, fundraisers, and our volunteers and the joy that they bring.

A huge thank you to our amazing Trustees past and present, we could not do what we do without your incredible support.

Want to help us spread kindness to people affected by breast cancer?

If you would like to help us on our mission of supporting every person in the UK receiving treatment for breast cancer check out our get involved page and help make a difference.