Meet The Team

In August 2003, Christine's world was turned upside down. Instead of holding her newborn baby, she found herself watching a fragile little bundle, ventilated and fighting for life in an incubator. Christine immediately found herself learning how to be a carer as well as a first-time mum. Her journey has been:

"Devastating, traumatic and frustrating at times, but my eyes and heart have been opened to a world of love and joy I previously knew little about."

Skiggle was set up in 2016 as a direct consequence of forgetting to pack some of her son, James', enteral feed because of her "busy mum" brain. Read the story behind Skiggle.

Before establishing Skiggle, Christine ran her own boarding kennels, cattery, and dog grooming business from 1991-2011 before having to retire due to James' declining health. She now works as a full-time carer for James and is responsible for the day to day running of the charity, including its continued growth and development.

Juggling busy family life with her husband and three children; school runs, hospital visits, homework, sports days, concerts and running a home, Christine also promotes the work of Skiggle at events up and down the country. She manages the charity's social media engagement and makes much-needed cups of tea.

In her spare time, Christine loves walking, running, gin festivals, singing along to 80s pop music and skiing.

In addition to co-running the charity, Helen works as a Regional Insight Executive for Bauer Media Group and up until March 2022, was a full-time carer for Christine's son, James. Helen is responsible for building and developing new corporate and fundraising partnerships to sustain and secure Skiggle’s future. During her time as a carer, she completed her Health and Social Care Diplomas in both "Adult" and "Children and Young Peoples" care. Before that, she worked as a lighting technician for English theatre and had never been in contact with the world of special needs. Her journey has been:

"An emotional and professional rollercoaster, learning many new skills. How to communicate with the non-verbal; fight for the best interests of someone who cannot express them themselves, and think and play outside of the box."

As a valued member of the support team, Helen was on holiday with Christine and her family in 2016, when James' enteral feed was left behind. She witnessed first-hand the family's angst and stress when healthcare services were unable to assist. She has been involved with Skiggle ever since; helping to develop Skiggle and volunteer as Christine's right-hand man.

Learning how to set up and run a charity from scratch has undoubtedly given both her and Christine a few grey hairs over the years but she continues to develop her skills; including completing a "Certificate in Fundraising" with the Institute of Fundraising and the "Fundamentals of Digital Marketing" with Google Digital Garage.

In her spare time, Helen loves to compete in ballroom and Latin dance and listen to classical music and opera. She is also learning how to rock climb and boulder, loves to wild camp and swim in outdoor pools.

Kate is a mum of two. Her eldest child has a disability, so living between the worlds of disability and what society sees as 'normal' has been a challenging one. Learning and growing more than she ever thought she would, her journey has been:

"A lesson in patience. I have witnessed miracles that I would otherwise have been too busy to notice. I learnt acceptance and, through the blessing of both of my children, total and unconditional love."

As a mother of a disabled daughter, she needed the SOS service in an hour of desperate need and is incredibly passionate about the charity. She started as a volunteer for Skiggle and is now a trustee. For Kate, being a trustee is about helping the most vulnerable people in their time of need and at the same time contributing to a worthy cause.

"We are extremely proud of the work Skiggle is doing, and the difference it makes to families just like mine who need help and support. Christine and Helen invest an incredible amount of time into Skiggle, and I am honoured and privileged to share their passion as a trustee of such an impactful and committed organisation."

In her spare time, Kate enjoys cooking, fishing, cycling and a glass or two of wine.