React's Trustees
Sister Frances Dominica OBE - Patron
Our focus on Home Support for children with life-limiting illnesses is due in no small measure to inspiration from Sister Frances Dominica (pictured top right), of whom we are very proud to have as our Patron. As founder and director of the first children's hospice, Helen House in Oxford, Sister Frances has a deep understanding of such children and their families, and sees home-support as a vital part of the help they need. Read more about Sister Francis.
Irving Young - React Founder
React was founded in 1989 by Irving Young, whose compassion for terminally ill children was and remains our inspiration.
Here he talks about why he founded React..."Some years ago I was very concerned by news reports stating that children living in the UK are born with AIDS. There seemed to be little or no support for families caring for children who were literally 'born to die'. I realised that the problem did not stop with the AIDS virus but affected every family caring for a child living with a terminal illness. Often, families who are financially disadvantaged are unable to afford the necessary care and equipment and yet it is important we allow them to keep their dignity and not make them feel uncomfortable about seeking help.
I started React from my business premises and as the charity grew, transferred the offices to my beloved snooker room in my own back garden! The charity had taken over my home and it wasn't long before even bigger premises were needed and we managed to secure tenure on a small building within church ground. React had been such a huge part of my life and I shared my heart and my home with the cause, but it was time for me to retire and allow others to carry on my vision.
React remains close to my heart, and I am delighted to see the charity has become so successful and is able to help so many terminally ill children and their families."
Rupert Wiles - Trustee
Rupert is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and spent the first part of his career with Touche Ross & Co as a practising accountant. In 1981 he joined the venture capital firm 3i Group where he worked for 18 years before retiring as a director at the age of 51 in 1999.
Rupert first heard of React through his local church in Chiswick and offered to prepare our accounts as a volunteer. He became a trustee responsible for the charity's finance in 2002. His interest in React has stemed from his belief that that the charity has enormous potential to bring considerable good to many families despite its small size.
Keith Entwisle - Trustee
He is the Managing Director of Caspari Cards Ltd and has supported React through Christmas card contributions for over 12 years. He was invited to join the board of Trustees in 1996. Keith says, "React is a unique organisation, giving support to families caring for a terminally ill child and as a Trustee am actively involved with the grant giving process which enables me to really understand the families we help. Being a family man, I can appreciate there can be no greater tragedy than hearing that your child is terminally ill. React is a small charity with a big heart, helping families who need assistance during a time of financial need."
Jacky Sales - Trustee
After many years in the business world Jacky Sales moved into the voluntary sector in 1992. She worked with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust for 5 years; became the Project Development Manager of Get Connected, a helpline for vulnerable young people which she took to launch and became a Trustee. Worked on a voluntary basis for React from 2001 and became a Trustee in 2003. She is Chairman of the React Friends Committee.
"What I love about React is its speed and humanity of response to these tragic families"
Paul Mellor - Trustee
Paul Mellor is a professional photographer and has been a friend of React for several years. Many of the photographs on our website were taken by Paul who has always offered his skills free of charge. React was delighted when Paul joined the Trustee Board in summer of 2007 and grateful for his continued dedication to our work.
Dr. Ed Wraith - Medical Advisor
Consultant Paediatrician at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Dr Ed Wraith has been an advisor to React for more than ten years. He is a world expert in genetic disorders. Here Dr Wraith tells React why the work of the charity is so vital. "By helping parents with the practical considerations of caring for the sick child, React takes away many of the anxieties and allows them to concentrate on giving the best care they can. What parents and children need most is to be able to spend time together. Many of these children have tragically short lives and parents need as many good memories as possible for the future.
React's children are often suffering from conditions that are extremely rare. It can mean there is no consensus within the NHS as to what treatment or help they merit. Care can depend very much on where you live. That's why React is often the only place that parents can turn for help."
