Our People

PATRONS

Liz Astor,
Baroness Astor

Patron

Liz Astor has been at the forefront of the charity’s work helping bereaved families and educating maternity staff in how to best help everyone who suffers the loss of a baby.

David Ward

Charity co-founder
& Trustee

“I hope that by raising awareness through Abigail’s Footsteps of the need for better care for bereaved parents we will spare others the trauma we went through.”

Jo Ward

Charity
co-founder

“Abigail was born on 29th April 2009. David and I both got to hold her and I will cherish those moments forever. Abigail was the most beautiful little girl and all I could think was why us?”

VICE PRESIDENTS

Cheryl Baker

Vice President

“I support Abigail’s Footsteps wholeheartedly and hope I can make some small contribution in helping this charity with it’s very worthwhile goals.”
A Day In The Life of Vice President Cheryl Baker!

Rob Smith

Vice President

Journalist and TV & radio presenter. Rob has been a co-anchor on the BBC South East Today news, he joins the team to support the work we do at Abigails and is committed to making a change.

Julie Etchingham

Vice President

“I became involved with Abigail’s Footsteps after being moved by David and Jo’s heart breaking story of the loss of their daughter, and inspired by their extraordinary efforts to help other families.”

Craig Chalmers

Vice President

“I am really pleased to be a part of the team. I look forward to supporting this work and making a real difference in supporting bereaved families.”

Faryl Smith

Vice President

Faryl is a British soprano who rose to fame after appearing on the second series of the ITV television talent show Britain’s Got Talent in 2008.

Louise Giblin

Vice President

“Abigail’s Footsteps is a lasting testament to love and a reminder that supporting others can give us strength. I’m honoured to have been asked to be a Vice President.”

Kelly Marie Stewart

Vice President

Kelly-Marie Stewart is a pioneering actress whose determination and drive won her a role in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.

Victor Ubogu

Vice President

“All children deserve to be loved and respected, and that is true for babies born asleep or soon after birth.” Victor Obogu is a former England international rugby player.

Sian Lloyd

Vice President

“Abigail’s Footsteps is a small charity that punches well above its weight, I am extremely proud to be able to support this wonderful charity.” 

CHAIR & TRUSTEES

Susan Robinson

Chair

“’I first encountered Abigail’s Footsteps in 2015. I feel very privileged to be taking on the role of chair as the charity continues on its incredible journey.’”

Lynne Sheridan

Trustee & Vice Chair

“I previously worked with David and Jo in a role I held in an NHS Trust.  The Trust received enormous support from the Charity and I was so inspired by the fantastic work it does, I feel honoured to now be asked to work with the Team more directly.”

Jack Jeffery

Trustee

Jack joins the charity as a parent Trustee, offering the board his personal experience after the loss of his daughter Olivia. Jack is also manager of our football team, Abigail’s Athletic.

Christina Bowden

Trustee

Christina is the owner of Bowden PR, a Kent based consultancy which works with charities and businesses to place stories in the media to reach new audiences, improve awareness and develop leads.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTITIONERS

Naomi Marston

Counsellor & Ambassador

Naomi is a qualified, integrative counsellor, a member of the British Association Counsellors and Psychotherapists, Infant Loss Foundation, an accredited member of National Counselling Society (NCS), a qualified supervisor and Chartered Management Institute.

Jenny Bradshaw

Counsellor

Jenny is a qualified, integrative counsellor with a specialism in pregnancy and baby loss. She is registered with the BACP and the Infant Loss Foundation. Jenny feels passionately that all bereaved parents should be offered counselling and is honoured to be working with Abigails to offer that.

Trish Brown

Counsellor

Paula Abramson

Trainer & Ambassador

Paula is a specialist in designing and delivering bereavement training for professionals who work with families following the death of a baby, and is passionate about ensuring this training is available and accessible.

OFFICE TEAM

Faye Hill

Head of Operations
& Events

“I strive to make a real difference in our community and support bereaved families. I find working for a charity very rewarding and I truly believe in the cause of Abigail’s Footsteps.”

Becky Hopkins

Fundraising & Events Manager

“Being part of Abigail’s Footsteps allows me to help bereaved families on their fundraising journeys. The incredible challenges undertaken by our fundraisers continually inspire me.”

Kate Harrison

Digital Marketing
Manager

Kate has joined our team with a wealth of knowledge, experience and a background in communications. We look forward to Kate supporting us in the vital work we do.

Alyssa Ely-Cook

Bereavement Donation Coordinator

“After my own loss I fundraised for Abigail’s Footsteps, including running the London Marathon and London Landmarks Half Marathon. I’m looking forward to being part of the team.”