Annabel’s Angels has announced a new Chair for 2022.
Rachel Hayward from local bid writing consultancy Ask the Chameleon will become Chair of Annabel’s Angels. An experienced bid writer, Rachel has had a long-established relationship with Annabel’s Angels, following an exceptional career in the charity sector in Birmingham and Derby. Appointed as a trustee in 2017, with a focus on securing business sponsorships, the local businesswoman has long been active in the running of the charity.
Rachel said “I am so proud to become Chair. We have had the toughest 21 months in our history, yet the support we have been shown from local companies, funding bodies and the public has been so inspiring. We clearly fulfil a need – we are seeing a huge demand in requests for our grants programme. “
“This will continue to be a tough year, but I am convinced that with my fellow trustees and the wonderful communities of Derby and Derbyshire, we can continue to raise funds and provide much needed support to local families undergoing cancer treatment. “
Outgoing Chair Simon Hancox said “My fellow trustees and I are very supportive of Rachel becoming our new lead. She is a natural leader, highly skilled and a huge asset to the charity. With her leadership skills and strong links within the business and voluntary sectors, I feel confident we will rise to the challenge of reaching and supporting more families living with cancer. I feel proud to have served as Chairperson for the past seven years and I’m looking forward to working with our team to further improve our work.”
Operating a grant scheme largely funded by donations from local people, the charity was hit hard by Covid and the restrictions on sporting and social gathering. Experiencing a severe reduction in fundraising, the Charity turned to submitting funding applications to local and national organisations.
Rachel supported the charity to secure £15,000 in grants from Foundation Derbyshire and the Martin Lewis Coronavirus Emergency Fund. This funding enabled the charity to support 127 families during 2019/2020 – double the previous period.
Annabel’s Angels offers financial assistance to people and families living with all types of cancer, from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and the support is highly personalized. Examples of support awarded to local families include vouchers for groceries, clothing, and adaptations to the home. Annabel’s Angels works closely with the Royal Derby Hospital, MacMillan Cancer Information Centre, Nottingham Young Lives vs Cancer, and Nottingham Children and Young People’s Specialist Services to support people living with cancer.
“It has been a helping hand at a time when you’re dealing with so many emotional feelings and when a great worry is financial“. Grant beneficiary