The Team
Our team has been deeply impacted by the lack of emotional support available to parent carers and is committed to improving access to meaningful support and services for families of people with life-limiting conditions. Our staff and trustees bring a wealth of experience, compassion, and dedication, working together to guide our mission and ensure families receive the care, understanding, and support they deserve.
Hayley Charlesworth
Founder and CEO
Hayley Charlesworth is the founder of Harry’s Pals. Inspired by her own experience after her son Harry was diagnosed with significant brain damage, Hayley launched the charity in 2022 to provide counselling, therapy, peer support, and respite for families facing similar challenges. Alongside her work with Harry’s Pals, she is a dedicated campaigner for carers’ rights and disability inclusion, helping to establish Harry’s Pledge and working with organisations to promote accessible, carer-friendly environments.
Hayley is passionate about growing the charity creating a vital support network and a powerful voice for families navigating life after a life-changing diagnosis.
Emma Whitmore
Communications and Fundraising Officer
Emma joined Harry’s Pals because of her passion for supporting a charity whose impact she has experienced first-hand. As a parent-carer to her son Alfie, who has complex disabilities, she understands the challenges families face and the importance of a charity that truly understands.
She feels privileged to use her experiences to support other families, recognising how overwhelming and isolating life can feel after a child’s diagnosis, and is committed to helping families feel seen, supported, and less alone. In her role as Communications and Fundraising Officer, Emma is passionate about raising awareness of Harry’s Pals, strengthening its community, and ensuring it continues to reach families who need its support.
trustees
Lynn Stubbs
Lynn is Executive Director of People and Performance. During her 25 years in housing, Lynn utilises her extensive HR knowledge and is very passionate about empowering colleagues and delivering award winning staff engagement and communication. She brings a wealth of experience in business transformation and cultural change, governance and compliance, as well as delivery of front-line services and customer and community engagement.
Julie Doyle
Julie is Chief Executive of a large Registered Provider and registered registered Charity with over 1,400 employees. With over 30 years’ experience in the housing sector, Julie Remains committed to ensuring the Group continues to realise its ambition of being a leading developer the improves people’s lives be providing high quality housing and carer and support services.
Carly Sumner Sinfield
Carly is an experienced copywriter and communications professional, currently working as Senior Copywriter at The Open University. A passionate storyteller, Carly has worked with major brands to deliver impactful multi-channel communications and believes in using the power of words to inspire positive action that transforms lives.
Chris Roper
Chris is Director of Coaching at The Centre of Financial Education (CFED). He became interested in Financial Services after a successful career in management and training outside of that industry with companies like Wickes and Acorn before qualifying as an IFA.
He developed a passion for coaching and mentoring both individuals and teams within those organisations and externally as a vocational coach with world leading Dale Carnegie organisation. The skills acquired now serve well to keep CFED delegates challenged and engaged.
Gareth Jones
Gareth is an experienced fenestration industry professional with over 26 years’ experience, having held senior management positions in REHAU and profine UK and is the currently Managing Director of Solar Fabrications.
Gareth is also Chair of FENSA and the Association of Composite Door Manufacturers. Gareth has joined the Board of Trustees of Harry’s Pals to share experience at Board level and help support the charities objectives.
Lesley Elder
Lesley is headteacher of a primary special school for children with severe and profound learning difficulties, including children with complex medical needs. Lesley has been in education for over 20 years, with the majority of this being within the special educational needs sector, workingwith a range of health and care professionals and supporting families. Lesley has a real love for learning and is passionate about promoting communication, emotional wellbeing and independence for children as they follow their individual learning journeys.
Matt Bishop
Matt Bishop is the Member of Parliament for the Forest of Dean and a committed advocate for children, families, and vulnerable communities. Matt has spent many years working closely with local services, schools, charities and support organisations, gaining deep insight into the challenges families face and the opportunities that early, compassionate intervention can create.
He is passionate about improving support for parent carers, strengthening early help pathways, and ensuring that every child — whatever their needs or background — can access safety, opportunity, and dignity. His work in Parliament, including his leadership on issues such as victim support, children’s wellbeing, and local community provision, is driven by a belief that families deserve to be heard, valued, and properly supported.
As a trustee, Matt is focused on championing strong partnerships, raising awareness, and helping shape services that make a real difference to families navigating complex and often overwhelming circumstances.
