Meet the Team

Our CCF Team

Sarah Cookson MBE

Director

Sarah Cookson MBE

‘Charlie & Carter’s Mammy’

Founder and Director of The Charlie & Carter Foundation

I see my role as doing everything I can to help and financially support our CCF Families, driving our charity forward in the name of our two very special angels ‘Charlie & Carter’

Our charity is unique as we have lived and breathed the struggles that our CCF Families face, not once but twice. Our boys were too special for this earth, but they made such an impact, what we call ‘The Charlie & Carter Effect’ They left us with a very important job to do in their honour.

With the strength our boys have given me to do them proud and with the recognition and award of an MBE, I hope to continue to help our foundation thrive.

About me

Chance

The Boss

Chance

Our very lively little boss of the office "Chancey Pops".

He enjoys a belly rub, welcoming everybody to the office and absolutely loves chicken.

He is a regular at our events, keep an eye out for him, he'll be glued to his daddy's legs!

About me

Christopher Cookson MBE

Chairman

Christopher Cookson MBE

Being appointed Chairman for the Charlie & Carter Foundation is one of the greatest honours of my life, I will continue to do my best to push and grow our charity and ensure we can financially support as many families who have children with life-limiting conditions.

I hope I'm able to do my boys proud and with my recent award of an MBE in 2022, I hope they are.

Out of our Charity, I am a keen cyclist, enjoy running and dog walking.

About me

Kerry Smith

Family Support Coordinator

kerry smith

Kerry joined the team in December 2023 as a family support coordinator.

Kerry has worked with families for a number of years now and is very much enjoying being part of the team at CCF and helping to support families at their most difficult time.

Outside of the charity Kerry enjoys spending time with her two boys always doing various activities and taking their French bulldog on walks.

About me

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jacqueline stidolph

Commercial & Sales Manager

jacqueline stidolph

I have been in retail for 43 years starting as a sales advisor. I have worked for a range of high street retailers including Marks and Spencer where I met Diane (Charlie and Carter’s Nana)

When the opportunity came up to work for The Charlie and Carter Foundation, I jumped at the chance to make a difference.

I love merchandising and have shaped the shop into what it is today and I love to hear the customers comments.

Knowing the effort we put in is appreciated and the funds raised go to our CCF families makes the role so much more meaningful.

About me

Laura Jane Forbes

Charity Fundraising and Events Manager

laura jane forbes

Laura joined the team in January 2024 and is excited to be part of the CCF family. With over 11 years' experience in fundraising, Laura is keen to put her skills to good use supporting this amazing charity.

Laura will be engaging with new and existing supporters, as well as working on events throughout the year. If you are interested in finding out more about how you can get involved, please get in touch.

Laura is a huge dog lover and outside of work you will find her walking her Labradoodle Babs and socialising with friends.

About me

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Dawn scullion

Retail Assistant

Dawn scullion

I was a domestic for years, then moved on to work as a florist for 12 years, before the move to retail and the opportunity arose to work for the Charlie and Carter Foundation.

I love the role as I enjoy talking with customers and helping them choose items, which help raise funds for our inspirational families.

The comments we receive from our customers is a great reward.

About me

Trustees

Mark Nicholson

It is an honour to be part of CCF and be able to help support my fellow trustees in this unique charity.

To see what difference this charity makes to families is why everyone gets involved, from our staff, volunteers and all our fund raisers.

Seeing a collective like this come together to help families across the country gives me immense pride to be a trustee at CCF.

About me

Claire Lee Haley

Claire joined the team to help raise awareness and highlight the need for support for the families in crisis. Claire works throughout the UK and makes it her main goal to meet as many hospital family support workers and let them know the benefits of our charity.

Outside of the foundation, Claire is an entrepreneur, managing her own businesses within the aesthetic industry, whilst caring for her twin brother, Craig who has down syndrome.

About me

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shaun darcy

Shaun darcy

Being a trustee for the Charlie and Carter Foundation is incredibly meaningful to me as it provides an opportunity to make a direct, positive impact on the lives of children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

This role is about more than just title; it’s a commitment to supporting families during some of their most challenging times.

It’s a chance for me to give back to the community, advocate for vulnerable families, and be part of a team dedicated to creating a difference in people’s lives

About me

Joanne Nicholson

Having been friends with Sarah and Chris for over 20 years and being part of CCF both personally and professionally from the very beginning.

I am now honoured to be a trustee and part of an amazing team who's main focus is to help this unique charity grow in every way possible and to continue to support inspirational children and their families at a time that truly matters.

About me

Ambassadors

Kaylee Ann Davidson-Olley

Kaylee made medical history when in October 1987, she became the UK's first successful baby heart transplant. Her historic surgery was carried out at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. Charlie & Carter's Mammy & Daddy first heard about Kaylee when they were in hospital with Carter, her story gave them so much hope, she truly is a miracle!

They met up together after Carter lost his battle and they instantly formed a bond and became very good friends. Kaylee wanted to get involved with us and she kept to her word!

We admire Kaylee's drive and passion for life and to achieve her dreams, we worried this would be lost after she sadly lost her lovely Mam Carol, but we are proud to say that she is now living life to it's fullest, not just for her, her donor but for her Mam too!

About me

Andrew Robertson

In 2012, Andy was challenged to run from Carlisle to Newcastle, 69 miles along Hadrian's Road. He finished the race in 21.5 hrs after walking and being sick for most of it, but something had changed. Andy knew he could do better and he could keep going. Andy signed up for the year after and knocked 10 hrs off his time!

Andy has achieved so many amazing physical challenges for almost 8 years and helped as much as he can to raise money and awareness for CCF.

About me

Questions about the foundation?

Take a look at our Foundation page or get in contact:

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