Trustee Week: Introducing Ryan Wilkinson

Your name: Ryan Wilkinson

Occupation: Tax Director @ BHP, Chartered Accountants

How did CHSF help?

“Sprinkled amongst all of these horrible moments, were the good bits – isn’t that a funny thing, that during a time where your child was incredibly poorly that there are some fond memories?

 

“Things like Vinnie being able to go and feed the fish on the ward, which is provided by CHSF, being able to play with his little brother in the play room, the ice cream he could have and the wellbeing trolley – a packet of crisps made all the difference. The fact that CHSF and the team on the ward were there as a shoulder to cry on, you could have a laugh and a joke with.

 

“CHSF were invaluable in our process, in a way we were “lucky” Vinnie’s condition did not require surgery, and we were in hospital for only 3 weeks; further we live in Leeds so we had our network, could go home (my wife and I did shifts at LGI).

 

“But there was one moment which has stuck with me forever – CHSF offer food vouchers for the Tesco at LGI, this allows parents to get a few essentials at Tesco as living in hospital is very expensive. I overheard one mum having to ask the charity for a voucher for the local Tesco as she hadn’t been paid yet, and was on her fourth week in hospital; if living at hospital with a very poorly child wasn’t enough stress, worrying about being able to feed herself must have been horrific, thankfully CHSF were able to help her.”

Why did you want to join the Board of Trustees at CHSF?

“Its not often that you feel forever indebted to an organisation/a person but I am indebted to CHSF and ward L51. They played a crucial role in saving our son’s life. Whilst the medical team were crucial in this, so were the play team, the family support workers – those small actions which made us smile, the sunshine in the storm, that one good thing you could hold onto to get through a tough day. I need to be able to help ensure that all families who go through something like we did, have the support.”

What professional skills and personal insights will you bring to the Board?

“As a heart parent, I have walked a mile in those shoes – this means that I can input into any strategic decisions to ensure that family’s are at the charity’s heart (no pun intended). As well as being a heart parent I am a chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser, this allows me to input into the financial health of the charity offer constructive challenge on decision making to ensure that our resources are well looked after.”