Dragonfly Suite

On Tuesday 17th July our vision finally became a reality when the Dragonfly Suite relatives’ room was officially opened. Some of the Harry’s Rainbow Team and young people joined representatives from MKUH to celebrate the opening before Odette Mould CEO of Harry’s Rainbow and Joe Harrison Chief executive of MKUH jointly cut the ribbon and opened the doors to reveal the transformation.

The room which offers a quiet space for families facing devastating or tragic news has been completely renovated, from the lighting to new furniture, there’s nothing that project manager Lesley Sutton hadn’t thought of. An enthusiastic team from both organisations have worked very closely together to ensure a once tired and unfeeling room became a calm and tranquil setting. It has been a long time coming for Odette to finally be able to realise a goal she had set herself 5 years ago when she first laid eyes on the room during a meeting with Bereavement Officer Kim Weston.

She said “the room in which I was given the news that my son was going to die, was cramped, unkempt and insignificant yet remains etched in my memories; the fact that the consultant wasn’t able to sit down properly and remained perched above me on a desk, while he dealt me the worst news I’d ever face, and the nurse who assisted him was beside him but unable to get close, to offer solace, isn’t something that’s easily forgotten.

I’m not saying that, had the room been more comforting and less clinical it would have resolved my heartache, but what I am saying is that the room does have an important role to play and getting it right creates the first supportive step along a very difficult and unending journey.

And that’s why when I sat in the relatives room with Kim all that those years ago, as the threadbare furniture sitting unloved, waiting for another family to arrive, I made it a personal goal that one day I will make sure it became the sort of room I and many others would have felt comforted in”

Textile artist Jane Charles worked closely with the youth group to create the beautiful artwork based on the international symbol of grief; The Dragonfly, which sits proudly on the walls. The display unit (kindly donated by the Milton Keynes Hospital Charity) which contains information and books to help those who have been bereaved acts as an important resource for the room, something that was very important to us to provide.

Joe Harrison said ‘I’d like to thank Odette and everyone at Harry’s Rainbow for working so hard to create this comfortable and quiet space in the hospital for people dealing with difficult news’

Thanks to everyone who supported the work including Kim and Tina in MKUH Bereavement team, The MKUH Estates Team, project manager Lesley and and the local businesses who helped by donating their time and expertise, including Lynx Networks, Shutter Solutions, Kingfisher Carpets and Neville Special Projects.

Special thanks must go to our amazing supporters for your wonderful donations towards the project. We know that this project will help the whole community of Milton Keynes and we are so grateful and proud.

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Sam Williams Family Liaison Officer

Sam Williams

After spending over 20 years as a primary school teacher both in the UK and abroad, I am delighted to be working as a Family Liaison Officer with Harry’s Rainbow. I had the pleasure of knowing Harry, as my three children are of a similar age. The charity is therefore close to my heart, and I have lovely memories of early fundraising events – what an amazing organisation it has grown to be! Having now lost my own Mum, I am especially keen to work with families going through a life-changing bereavement. I am looking forward to our events and trips but mostly getting to know the children and young people with their families, helping to provide support for a brighter tomorrow.

Susie Wigginton - Family Liaison volunteer 

Susie Wigginton

After retiring, I started looking for a volunteer role to match my skills and interests. I was really inspired when I came across Harry’s Rainbow and have been volunteering at the Rainbow Groups since January 2022. I love helping the children make their Rainbow Tools and talking to families at the groups. I have also enjoyed helping the Harry’s Rainbow team with their fabulous summer and Christmas trips.

Since October 2023, I have been going into the office to do admin work related to the groups and the Rainbow Retreat which has been a very positive experience.

Kerry Paice (Fundraising events volunteer)

Kerry Paice

I have volunteered with Harry’s rainbow for around 10 years, helping out at various events, but over the passed 2 years I have become more involved in helping out on the admin site of things including running the bonus ball and helping to organise events. Volunteering for Harry’s rainbow is one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever done and love every minute. 

Alison Johnson - Fundraising and Events Manager

Alison Johnson

Having worked in the event fundraising sector for over 10 years, I am very excited to be working at Harry’s Rainbow. I lost both of my parents as an adult and knowing how hard this was for me to deal with, I cannot imagine going through this as a child. I am really keen to do my very best to help as many children as possible at Harry’s Rainbow – if we can bring some brightness into their world at such a devastating time, it could make all the difference to their future.
I am very passionate about events and more importantly, raising vital funds and awareness through them to help children in their time of need. I love nothing more than organising a fun event that people feel great about afterwards, because they know that their involvement will make a significant impact on someone else – it’s the best feeling! 

Marcela

I first connected with Harry’s Rainbow during my university years, when the charity was in its infancy. My journey began as a volunteer, actively participating in the monthly group activities. Over time, I continued my involvement by contributing to various events, and donating gifts and funds, driven by a passion for the organisation’s mission and impact.
 
Two years ago, I made a conscious decision to transition into facilitating and coordinating groups. This allowed me to further engage with the community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
 
Recently, I was extended the opportunity to expand my role and support the Family Liaison Officers to help with the increasing demand, and I am thrilled to embrace this new chapter. Being part of this remarkable charity fills me with happiness and pride, and I am eager to contribute to its ongoing success and positive impact.
 
I am grateful for the journey that has led me here and am looking forward to continuing my dedicated involvement supporting bereaved children and their families.
 

Lee Mould

Your child dying is the worst thing that can happen to any family. Harry was a special, bright, clever and loving son. He never leaves my thoughts for a second and that’s why starting Harrys Rainbow to help others gives me a way to honour his memory. I achieved a goal I never thought I could by running the London Marathon in 2011 to raise funds for Child Bereavement UK. Harry and my family were with me all the way and kept me going to the finishing line. I went on to run 2 further marathons and half marathons and organised our very first running team to fundraise for Harrys Rainbow, which raised £15,000. I will always play a large part in supporting our objectives to help bereaved children and their families, knowing that the support is offered from a family who know first hand the devastation of losing a child.

Jade Crawley

I became involved with Harry’s Rainbow for the first time at Jessica’s Rainbow Run in June 2019 as a volunteer face painter. I then went on to support Odette, Emma and Harry’s Rainbow during Rainbow Week. I really got to see just a small percentage of the sheer amount of work they do to support young people and their families which encouraged me to get more involved. When I saw there was a volunteer position as admin support I immediately got in touch. The timing for me is perfect as my youngest child is due to start school. As well as experience with office duties, I also have experience of working with special needs children so can bring varied expertise to the team.

Marie-Claire

I was 15 when my father died of cancer, a vulnerable time in anyone’s life, and at the time there was no support on offer. This experience led me to my life’s purpose, to provide holistic support for children and young people, which is why I became a teacher and spent the next 25 years in education as a teacher, SENDCo, Deputy head, mental health lead and lastly as Executive Head of 6 schools in Milton Keynes. In 2021 I changed career, I became a coach and offered support to people in a different way. But you can never take the teacher out of the teacher, and in January 2023 I was delighted to join the Harry’s Rainbow team as an education support volunteer offering training to schools on how to best support pupils/students who have been bereaved. I was even more delighted in April of the same year to be appointed as a Family Liaison Officer, adding to the already amazing team, and expanding the support for young people further and I’m privileged to be part of giving these young people who have been bereaved a brighter tomorrow.

Rachel Salmon

As a widow with a child who has experienced the death of a loved one first hand, Harry’s Rainbow have offered so much support to us both that I needed to give something back to them. I started off by volunteering with bag packing or events and that has lead to me becoming a volunteer at the monthly groups and more recently, a buddy to several families to support them through the pandemic.

When I saw the post of Family Liaison Officer advertised, I had to apply. I have personal experience of bereavement as well as being very interested in children and young people’s mental health. What better way to marry the two than this? I am currently studying at a master’s level at the University of Northampton and intend to base my dissertation on bereaved teenagers. I have a real passion for ensuring these young people have a voice and can use it to influence, impact and inform ongoing support for all bereaved children.

This bereavement journey does not end, and I hope to offer support, encouragement, and guidance to the families that Harry’s Rainbow do so much for. I am thrilled and proud to be part of such a caring and passionate team.

Sarah Harvey

I started volunteering for Harry’s Rainbow in 2013 and have loved being a part of this amazing charity ever since. I’ve became a part of the events team and for a time was also a trustee, more recently I started volunteering in the Office being a Fundraising Admin Volunteer. After having my two children I had a new found love for the charity and the wonderful support that we give. Working in the childcare sector for over 17 years, having a vast and varied career I felt that I could bring more to the team and when the Family Liaison Officer role came up, I knew I needed to go for it. I can’t wait to build strong bonds with our beneficiaries and continue to support them so that they can have a brighter tomorrow

Odette Mould MBE - CEO

I am very passionate about helping and supporting children after the death of a significant family member. I was full of such mixed emotions about what I should do for my daughter Jessica after my son and her twin brother Harry died and had no idea where to turn to for help. She is his twin and because of their unique relationship, the closest that anyone would ever get to him. She knew him longer than any of us. The grief of losing a child is so overwhelming that I could have given up, but no matter how strong these feelings were, I just could not let my daughter down. After experiencing such devastation at such an early age I needed to keep focused on her and as such I researched every support and advice service available. This is what led me to begin Harry’s Rainbow. My son Harry was a blessing to me and always will be. I like to talk about him like I do about all my children and I think about him always. He will never be far from me and the love I have for him is what continues to spur me on to help others.

Raj Bariah

I am extremely pleased and excited to join the Trustees of Harry’s Rainbow to help propel this fantastic local charity forward. The work being done here makes such a difference to so many families lives and to be a part of that is beyond an honour.

I myself am a software developer with a massive interest in technology; having organised multiple Technical conferences both locally and internationally. I’m keen to lend my experience and skills to this already incredible team.

Richard Naylor

I have spent many years working with charities, both as an advisor and as a volunteer. For the last 10 years I have worked with youth organisations, including being the chairman of a local youth football club for 6 years and local scout groups. I am a level 1 football coach, a qualified mindfulness teacher and am working towards my personal trainer qualifications.

As the owner of an international consultancy and law firm, I work with entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses to build commercial solutions and opportunities through mentoring and strategic advice. I work with UK and overseas entrepreneurs, investors and high net worth individuals focussing on strategy, global commercial solutions, immigration, business mentoring and commercial management.

Michelle Wade

I have over 20 years’ experience as an Internal Communications and Events professional and am a Certified Member of the Institute of Internal Communication. My current role is as an Internal Communications Director at Capgemini, a global leader in consulting, technology services and digital transformation. I started my volunteering journey a few years back, working at a local children’s charity, supporting children with autism and communication difficulties. This fuelled my passion for children’s charities, and following this experience, I made a promise to myself and my two children that one day I would work with another local children’s charity. I am delighted and honoured to be a Trustee for Harry’s Rainbow and to be able to offer my skills and experience to the charity as it progresses on its journey. The work that this charity does to support bereaved children and young people is phenomenal and I am thrilled to be part of the Harry’s Rainbow Board and Harry’s legacy.

Paul Swales

I’m really pleased to be a Trustee of this wonderful local charity, Harry’s Rainbow. The work they do is brilliant, making a real, tangible difference to bereaved children and young people. I myself have been affected by a family bereavement, losing my brother back in 2002. We were very close and even though I was 30 at the time, it hit me hard, and I understand the benefit that the charity brings to children and families that suffer loss at a young age.

As a family man myself, with a 3 children, to have that support infrastructure there if it was ever needed, would make such a difference. With this in mind, I am grateful for the opportunity to support the team and bring my knowledge and experience from 30 years in the corporate and financial world with me.

Vanessa Holmes

I’ve worked in the charity sector for more than 20 years, mainly in fundraising but with a growing focus on organisational management and governance. I started my career fundraising for a small family support charity in South London and at once fell in love with the charity sector and the incredible impact it has on individuals, families and wider communities. I’m now head of charity for a local hospital. To be a Trustee of a local charity like Harry’s Rainbow – which is making a real, tangible difference to bereaved children and young people – is an absolute privilege. I’m pleased to be sharing my skills and experience with such a brilliant team.

Ewa Golabek

I am a Chartered Management Accountant with over 8 years of experience helping large organisations in various industries make better business decisions, improve profitability and cash flow. I’m currently running my own financial consulting business, helping start-ups and SMEs achieve profitable and sustainable growth. I am passionate about making a difference, solving problems, and helping people see their challenges as opportunities to grow. Over the past few years, I supported various charities through fundraising and volunteering and it’s always been a rewarding experience. I am excited and privileged to serve Harry’s Rainbow as a Trustee and be able to use my skills and experience to support its great mission.

Paula McGrath

Following an early career as a newspaper journalist, I moved into the health charity sector around 15 years ago. Since then I’ve held a number of senior roles in charity communications teams and more recently organisational development. I currently work for a national sight loss organisation based in Buckinghamshire. I’m passionate about the vital role charities play in connecting people with others who have had similar experiences, and providing high quality information and support. A mum of two, I feel honoured to join the Harry’s Rainbow team as a trustee and hope that my enthusiasm for the charity’s fantastic work, combined with my professional skills and experience, will enable me to help make a difference for families who experience bereavement.

Jodie Pritchard

I have worked in an operations role for 10 years. Operations is a very versatile role which has given me great insight into all elements of how businesses run and what it takes to keep the company moving forward and growing. I also co-own a freelance marketing business, founded in 2016 which works with small businesses and start up’s. I am excited to be working with the Harrys Rainbow Trust team as this is an excellent charity. I have unfortunately seen a very close friend of mine lose her son and seeing the impact on the family unit was devastating. If this opportunity allows me to offer support to any bereaved families, I will be very humbled

Jane Leggatt

After working for over 35 years I decided to take some time out and recharge my batteries. I wanted my next endeavour to make a difference and to put something back. My sister and I lost our Dad when we were 14 & 21 respectively. There was no support network available to us and I feel what Harrys Rainbow Trust is aiming to achieve is very much needed. Bereavement at any time is traumatic and having a support network in place or somewhere you can go to get advice is key. My background is in HR and I hope to use my HR skills and some previous charitable fund trustee experience to help sustain the charity and be a part of its growth in the future.

Jane Leggatt

HR

After working for over 35 years I decided to take some time out and recharge my batteries. I wanted my next endeavour to make a difference and to put something back. My sister and I lost our Dad when we were 14 & 21 respectively. There was no support network available to us and I feel what Harrys Rainbow Trust is aiming to achieve is very much needed. Bereavement at any time is traumatic and having a support network in place or somewhere you can go to get advice is key. My background is in HR and I hope to use my HR skills and some previous charitable fund trustee experience to help sustain the charity and be a part of its growth in the future.