Patrick Leoni Sceti Patrick is founder and managing director of LSG Holdings and has supported Dreams Come True for over 3 years. Expand Patrick is founder and managing director of LSG Holdings, which he set up in 2009. Patrick has a BSc in Economics from Bocconi University in Milan and has previously worked with investment bank Morgan Stanley and with corporate finance boutique Hillview Group.Patrick’s investment expertise is focused on real estate and on backing small and medium sized businesses across the UK, and he sits on the board of directors of a number of these companies.Patrick comes from a large Italian family and has recently started his own with wife Giulia, with whom he shares a strong link to Dreams Come True. Alongside his wife, he has supported the charity for the over 3 years and has taken part in one of the Dream Trips to Orlando, which he describes as a life changing experience.
Annabelle Vaughan Annabelle is a solicitor, specialising in Mental Capacity and protection of the vulnerable. Expand I am a Solicitor specialising in Mental Capacity and protection of the vulnerable. I act for a huge range of clients of all ages and backgrounds to help safeguard their wellbeing whilst also promoting their independence. Some but not all of my clients have the means to access equipment, breaks and experiences that hugely enrich their lives and I am delighted to be part of the Dreams Come True team that can help others have theses opportunities. Within the charity I have been able to use my experience to promote awareness of the issues facing children and young people with life limiting conditions. I have a mild disability myself which has always made me passionate about supporting individuals with challenges to achieve their dreams. I have previously been an Ambassador for The Rainbow Centre which provides conductive education for children with cerebral palsy and I was a Trustee for Hampshire Riding Therapy Centre. Outside of work and my charity commitments I live in the Hampshire Countryside with my soon to be husband and cat where we are all enjoying our new garden.
Rachel Humphrey Rachel is a Human Resources Director, and has been supporting Dreams Come True since 2014. Expand Rachel is a Human Resources Director, living in South East London with her husband Jonny and their two daughters Lara (9) and Mia (6). Rachel's son Myles had his wish made possible by Dreams Come True in January 2014, to go and visit the animals at London Zoo, a few weeks before he died of an aggressive form of cancer. He was just 2 and was a twin to Mia. Having experienced first hand the amazing work that Dreams Come True does for both young people and their families, she has been actively supporting the charity in fundraising efforts and public speaking events ever since.
Andy Challis Andy Challis works for Barclays Investment Bank in London, where he has worked for 17 years. He is the Head of Electronic Distribution and Strategic Investments. Expand Andy has a BSc in Physics from Sussex University. His career at Barclays has given him experience in a variety of disciplines including financial analysis, strategic planning, sales and relationship management. He represents Barclays on the boards of several companies and has also represented the firm at trade associations, conferences and with industry regulators. Andy is Treasurer of the Board of Governors at his children’s school in Woking, a role he has held for 5 years. He is a regular fundraiser for both local and national charities. “As a father with young children, the work of Dreams Come True is close to my heart and is inspirational. To be able to help the charity continue to grow and achieve its aims is an honour.”
Neil Smith Neil, 55, a chartered accountant, has worked as a finance leader in a number of listed entities within the UK over the last 25 years. Expand Neil, 55, a chartered accountant, has worked as a finance leader in a number of listed entities within the UK over the last 25 years. He is currently Chief Financial Officer of Domino’s Pizza Group plc, a role he commenced in April 2020. He was previously Chief Financial Officer at the largest owner of pubs in the UK, Ei Group plc, prior to its acquisition by Stonegate in March 2020. Neil has served as Finance Director of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Chief Financial Officer of Telewest Global Inc, and has held senior finance positions with Virgin Media and Somerfield plc. Neil is currently a governor at Treloar’s school and college, a role he has held since 2010.
Simon Foster Simon Foster is a business leader in the global exhibition and media industry. For nearly 30 years, Simon has focused on bringing business to life through connections. Expand Simon Foster is a business leader in the global exhibition and media industry. For nearly 30 years, Simon has focused on bringing business to life through connections. Throughout his career, notably at UBM plc and Comexposium, he’s worked to bring communities together to build relationships and develop opportunities in all types of events across the globe. Simon strives to embrace change and empower people. He believes in building teams and businesses that thrive from disruption and push boundaries. Simon sits on several management and industry boards, he’s Non-Executive Director of Shinesmith, and a Trustee of the Chiltern Learning Trust in Luton. Simon has passion for music and sport, even though he is not as good as he would like at either, and he lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and young daughter, both of whom are enthusiastic about all that Dreams Come True do. “Having come relatively late to fatherhood, my young daughter has taught me so much in the last few years on the absolute joy of being able to watch and help someone grow up and develop. Having then seen how Dreams Come True, can add not only more joy, but also support and help others as they grow and develop, I found it truly inspirational and I wanted to help. I am both delighted and honoured to have the chance to do so.”
Marsha Quallo-Wright Marsha Quallo-Wright is senior civil servant and brings a wide range of public sector experience to the board. Her career has focused on resilience and she has played a leading role in in the response to range of incidents including earthquakes, floods, Ebola and Covid-19. Expand Marsha Quallo-Wright is senior civil servant and brings a wide range of public sector experience to the board. Her career has focused on resilience and she has played a leading role in in the response to range of incidents including earthquakes, floods, Ebola and Covid-19. Marsha is also a neuroscientist and has extensive experience in science and research policy. She has also developed an iPhone app called baby brain training to support parents interested in evidence-based activities. Marsha is passionate about social mobility and supporting disadvantaged communities. She is mentor for several young women. Is a long-standing mentor for a social mobility foundation and is a school governor at a north London primary school. Marsha is excited to bring her public sector experience and networks to Dreams Come True and to help the charity identify and access the most disadvantaged communities.
Simon Linares Simon joins us after an extensive career as a senior executive in several FTSE International businesses and is an experienced Charity trustee. Expand Simon joins us after an extensive career as a senior executive in several FTSE International businesses and is an experienced Charity trustee. Most recently Simon was the Group HR Director for Direct Line Group from 2014-2020 and Trustee and Chair of the Nominations committee of (Kids Out Charity/ a National Charity) from 2012-2020. He is also a Non-Executive Director at The Nottingham Building Society and Mentor to several senior business leaders. Simon brings extensive experience in senior Commercial and Human Resources roles across multiple sectors including Consumer Goods, Telecommunications, Financial Services and a range of Digital Businesses and is able to contribute to the charities strategic development, leadership, culture and managing change. Simon is a partner to Dave, parent to Becky and enjoys anything that includes friends, food or travelling - and ideally all three at the same time! 'I am passionate about helping enhance the lives of children and young people, and enabling them to live their lives to the fullest extent possible. The positive difference Dreams Comes True makes to so many young lives is so amazing and humbling, and it's a privilege to be able to join the team as we look to the future and continuing to help even more of those that others won't or can't help'
Gavin Lyons Gavin joins us with a distinguished career over 25 years in the TMT sector, specialising in software. Expand Gavin has had a distinguished career over 25 years in the TMT sector specialising in software and services. Gavin has experience of running both public and privately owned growth-oriented companies and has been a plural chair working with multiple Private Equiity backed businesses since 2022. Prior to becoming a plural Chair, Gavin was the co-founder and CEO for Tax Systems, a leading provider of corporation tax software backed by Bowmark Capital. He has also been an operating partner at MXC Capital, the tech-focused merchant bank in London, CEO at Accumuli, an AIM listed cybersecurity business, Director of Telecoms and Utilities at SAP and Vice President of Sales and Alliances at Trend Micro, a global data and cybersecurity business. Gavin has overseen 5x exits for shareholders and holds an MBA from Henley Business School, awarded in 2005. Gavin is married to Amy, has two children, lives in Buckinghamshire and in his spare time enjoys a round of golf.
Karen Wilson Karen is an extremely experienced trustee of children's charities, and join us after a 17 year career as CEO at Hoggett Bowers. Expand Karen was educated in Spain and the UK and graduated in Finance from Leeds. She then qualified as an Accountant and worked in various sectors prior to moving in recruitment. The move into recruitment allowed her exposure to a wide range of businesses and the various challenges /opportunities they faced at differing stages in their growth and development. The search business also afforded Karen the chance to meet and work with the widest range of people at differing stages in their careers. She was CEO for 17 years of a leading Search firm, Hoggett Bowers, prior to stepping down in December 2023. In addition to appointing people who have made a tremendous difference to the organisations who recruited them Karen is proud of being able to coach and advise a wide range of people, often over many years, as they have progressed their careers. During her career in Search Karen became increasingly aware of how experiences in childhood remains with adults throughout their lives. Karen took an early interest in DE&I and left Hoggett Bowers to Gold Status with Clear Assured as well as becoming the first Search firm to become RIDI 100. For the last 10 years she has also been a trustee within Children’s charities. Having now moved from executive life Karen is looking to expand this interest in Children’s charity further. Karen is married to Chris and has 2 adult stepchildren. Her interests include travel and history and is an avid reader.
Jayne Franks Jayne joins us after a 30 year career in HR and is now the Head of HR, UK and EMEA for the world- renowned Sothebys Auction House. Expand Jayne’s career spans 30 years of which most, has been spent in Human Resources. Starting life in retail with Sainsburys supermarkets and moving to Financial Services and Private Banking, Jayne is now the Head of HR, UK and EMEA for Sothebys Auction House. During her career Jayne has gained experience within private and publicly owned companies dealing with all aspects of the Human Capital strategy, including advising and coaching senior leaders, cultural change, organisational design, performance management, diversity and inclusion and leadership. Jayne has also gained experience in Mergers and Acquisitions and in addition as a leader herself, has led large teams of HR professionals often across the globe. Jayne is married to David and has two daughters, lives in West London and in her spare time, enjoys exercising, cooking and spending time with her family.
Jon Peppiatt Jon is an Independent Business Consultant, having spent 35 years working at two of the UK’s most creative advertising agencies and is an advocate for mental health awareness in the work place. Expand Jon is an Independent Business Consultant, having spent 35 years working at two of the UK’s most creative advertising agencies, CDP and BBH. He was part of BBH’s Leadership Team for 15 years, including 5 years as Chairman, before leaving in 2020 to set up his own business. Jon is also the Non-Executive Chairman of The BluePrint, a Global Exec Search business specialising in the Media Industry and a Board Trustee at NABS, a charity that is dedicated to advancing the mental wellness in the advertising, marketing and media community.