about us
Wonder Wards
Wonder Wards is a small charity dedicated to raising funds to help improve the quality of life for children and young people suffering from life-limiting conditions. Here at Wonder Wards, we focus on the physical materials needed to enjoy life and live comfortably. So that many hospitals, hospices, and families can focus their funds on vital medication and emotional care. Below are the personalities currently involved with Wonder Wards:
Derry Heffer
Wonder Wards was inspired by the actions and heart of the late Derry Heffer. Every time Derry went shopping, she would purchase a small toy. At Easter and at Christmas, she would wrap the toys she had purchased throughout the year and present them to the children in various hospital and hospice wards. Now, you can find Derry on our charity logo, reinvented as an equal to those brave children she once encouraged to smile.
Leigh Gilles – Founder
Hello, I’m Leigh, founder of Wonder Wards. After over 22 years serving in the British Armed Forces, I wasn’t ready to stop helping others, in any way I could find. On hearing the wonderful story of Derry, I wanted to continue her legacy. Along with this calling to help children, I found myself incomprehensible of thought whenever I tried to consider how I would cope if my own daughter’s life was limited. It was then that I knew I had to do all I could to ensure as many children with life-limiting conditions, and their families, would go without nothing.
Leigh Gilles – Founder
Hello, I’m Leigh, founder of Wonder Wards. After over 22 years serving in the British Armed Forces, I wasn’t ready to stop helping others, in any way I could find. On hearing the wonderful story of Derry, I wanted to continue her legacy. Along with this calling to help children, I found myself incomprehensible of thought whenever I tried to consider how I would cope if my own daughter’s life was limited. It was then that I knew I had to do all I could to ensure as many children with life-limiting conditions, and their families, would go without nothing.
Maxine Gilles – Trustee
As the daughter of Derry Heffer, I felt honoured to help with her legacy. I remember Mum buying toys and teddies every time she went shopping. Then she would take them to hospitals at Easter and Christmas. I always thought it was such a wonderful thing to do. Leigh has a heart just like my mum’s and I wanted to be there to help him make decisions for such a wonderful charity. As a trustee, I also have a full career of experience in credit control. So, financial decisions, on the correct and lawful distribution of funds, are my forte.
Lisa Gething – Trustee
As a registered nurse of over 22 years, I have helped many people through their end-of-life care, ensuring their dignity and accommodating their wishes. I have always found it an honour to be physically present in a comforting manner at the end of someone’s life. Much like it is to be present at the birth of a new life. Being involved with Wonder Wards enables me to give input towards enhancing life aspects that can make the final stages of life smoother and more bearable. I also bring charity experience to the board, as my current nursing role is with a charity and I also have experience with Charity Governance and managing donations, after running a large care home for a charitable organisation.
Lisa Gething – Trustee
As a registered nurse of over 22 years, I have helped many people through their end-of-life care, ensuring their dignity and accommodating their wishes. I have always found it an honour to be physically present in a comforting manner at the end of someone’s life. Much like it is to be present at the birth of a new life. Being involved with Wonder Wards enables me to give input towards enhancing life aspects that can make the final stages of life smoother and more bearable. I also bring charity experience to the board, as my current nursing role is with a charity and I also have experience with Charity Governance and managing donations, after running a large care home for a charitable organisation.
Sarah Alward-Smith – Trustee
When asked to be a trustee for this particular charity, it was something that was very close to my heart. As a child, I myself was critically ill. I spent a great deal of time being treated in the very children’s wards that Wonder Wards aims to help. I was fortunate enough for my treatment to be successful. However, during my time in the wards, many of the children I met and became friendly with were sadly not so lucky. This has given me a lifelong affiliation and drive to help raise money for charities such as YoungLivesVsCancer. Now, as a trustee on the Wonder Wards board, I can play a big part in the decision-making, to help today’s children and families suffering with life-limiting conditions.
Daniel Alward-Smith – Trustee
I have served over 22 years in the British Military, including 20 years in the British Army, and now as an Officer in the Royal Air Force. I believe my experience and training in command, leadership, and management, as well as my experiences in high pressured situations, bring value; and provide critical thinking skills to the board of trustees. Whilst also affording me the courage to challenge decisions, where I feel they require debate, to the benefit of the charity beneficiaries and the integrity of the Wonder Wards Governing document.
Daniel Alward-Smith – Trustee
I have served over 22 years in the British Military, including 20 years in the British Army, and now as an Officer in the Royal Air Force. I believe my experience and training in command, leadership, and management, as well as my experiences in high pressured situations, bring value; and provide critical thinking skills to the board of trustees. Whilst also affording me the courage to challenge decisions, where I feel they require debate, to the benefit of the charity beneficiaries and the integrity of the Wonder Wards Governing document.