Our Trustees
We are a registered charity with a board of trustees – Each of our trustees has a personal reason for wanting to give their time and effort to the charity – Enjoy starting to get to know them from their stories below.
Sarah Dearman, Chairperson
My name is Sarah. My son Liam was diagnosed with Hyperinsulinism at the age of 13 months, he is now 20 years old.
After graduating from University, I became a fully qualified Financial Advisor. However, after Liam’s diagnosis and neurological complications became apparent, I was unable to return to work and became a full-time carer.
I feel very privileged to be a Trustee of The Children’s Hyperinsulinism Charity. I am passionate about supporting families and raising awareness. I am proud of how much our Charity has achieved and look forward to the exciting projects coming up.
As Chair and Project Manager, I have been at the heart of all our major campaigns, fundraisers, projects and events. I love the challenges and diversity this role brings, there is always something happening and it’s fantastic to be part of such a great Charity Team.
Any spare time is spent with my family and my two boys Liam and Mark.
Kirsty Pope, Trustee
I’m Kirsty and I am mummy to 7 year old Imogen who was diagnosed with CHI just before her 1st birthday, after spending many months in and out of hospital.
I work full time in the housing industry as a Sales Manager which I love to bits but it is very much an industry I fell into after having to give up my nursing studies when Imogen was born and quite poorly.
When I’m not busy at work and Imogen is at school (or asleep!!), I enjoy going to the gym, reading books, watching TV dramas and organising fundraising events!!
I have helped organise lots of events since Imogen’s diagnosis including casino nights, raffles, a teddy bears picnic and Virtual Runs for the CHC!!
Family time is very important in our house as we spent so much time in hospital when Imogen was little; on our family days together we enjoy taking our dog Barney out on long walks, going on bike rides, going out to the cinema and going for meals out!
It was a great honour to be asked to become a trustee and I have loved being a part of the CHC Charity for nearly 7 years!!
Amanda Dean, Trustee
My name is Amanda and I am a mum of 2 . My youngest son William was born with Hyperinsulinism.
Before I had William I worked full time as a manager of a Learning Disabilities Home for Adults. I was the registered manager and was in charge of the day to day running of the home, staff and service users . I spent my time working alongside social workers, health care professionals and CQC. I always planned to return to work after having William but unfortunately due to his high medical needs and development delays this was not possible. I became his full time carer.
I love being a trustee and raising awareness for this amazing charity. In my spare time, when I get it, I love running. I run with a local running club who have helped me train for a half marathon. I also love holding fundraisers and raising awareness for William’s condition.
This journey is certainly tough at times but because of this charity I know am not walking it alone.
Steff Bradley, Trustee & Parent Rep for Scotland and NI
My name is Steff and I am mummy to Fionn.
Fionn’s Hyperinsulinism was luckily caught very early by one of the midwives in the maternity ward when he was only 3 hours old. He stayed in hospital for a total of 9 weeks and for his first year of life he was in and out of hospital quite regularly. Being unable to return to work due to Fionn’s care, I became his full time carer.
The Children’s Hyperinsulinism Charity provided so much support to me and my family when we were first coming to terms with his diagnosis and even now dealing with everyday situations.
I was so honoured to be a trustee of the charity to give back and help other families in the same situation. To ensure all Hi families out there know that they are not alone!
Ciara Grace, Vice Chairperson & Parent Rep for Ireland
My name is Ciara, and my youngest son, Cillian has hyperinsulinism. Cillian was very sick at birth and he was diagnosed shortly after, at the beginning of covid in April 2020. We spent the majority of his first year of life in the hospital. I’m also Mum to Abigail(15).
Prior to this, I worked in Compliance and Legal sector, and Abi and I moved from Cork, Ireland to Solihull in the UK about five years ago.
I now look after Cillian and his medical needs, and developmental delays full time, and Abi also helps to look after her little brother.
I am so grateful to the Children’s Hyperinsulinism Charity for all their support to Cillian and our family and madly passionate about the Charity. I am truly honored to be a trustee since January 2022 and help in any way I can. I’m excited for the future with the charity.