Simon Linares

Simon joins us after an extensive career as a senior executive in several FTSE International businesses and is an experienced Charity trustee.

Most recently Simon was the Group HR Director for Direct Line Group from 2014-2020 and Trustee and Chair of the Nominations committee of (Kids Out Charity/ a National Charity) from 2012-2020. He is also a Non-Executive Director at The Nottingham Building Society and Mentor to several senior business leaders.

Simon brings extensive experience in senior Commercial and Human Resources roles across multiple sectors including Consumer Goods, Telecommunications, Financial Services and a range of Digital Businesses and is able to contribute to the charities strategic development, leadership, culture and managing change.

Simon is a partner to Dave, parent to Becky and enjoys anything that includes friends, food or travelling - and ideally all three at the same time!

'I am passionate about helping enhance the lives of children and young people, and enabling them to live their lives to the fullest extent possible. The positive difference Dreams Comes True makes to so many young lives is so amazing and humbling, and it's a privilege to be able to join the team as we look to the future and continuing to help even more of those that others won't or can't help'

Latest

National Children’s Day 2024

This National Children's Day will you help us grant urgent dreams for children with a short life expectancy? Can you support us today and help us to build a funding pot of £5,000* to ensure we are ready for children who are in the greatest of need?
Amsterdam Marathon

Starting and finishing in the Olympic Stadium, it is known for its flat, historic course.
Jon Peppiatt

Jon is an Independent Business Consultant, having spent 35 years working at two of the UK’s most creative advertising agencies and is an advocate for mental health awareness in the work place.
Gavin Lyons

Gavin joins us with a distinguished career over 25 years in the TMT sector, specialising in software.

Jon Peppiatt

Jon is an Independent Business Consultant, having spent 35 years working at two of the UK’s most creative advertising agencies and is an advocate for mental health awareness in the work place.
Gavin Lyons

Gavin joins us with a distinguished career over 25 years in the TMT sector, specialising in software.
Karen Wilson

Karen is an extremely experienced trustee of children's charities, and join us after a 17 year career as CEO at Hoggett Bowers.
Jayne Franks

Jayne joins us after a 30 year career in HR and is now the Head of HR, UK and EMEA for the world- renowned Sothebys Auction House.
Marsha Quallo-Wright

Marsha Quallo-Wright is senior civil servant and brings a wide range of public sector experience to the board. Her career has focused on resilience and she has played a leading role in in the response to range of incidents including earthquakes, floods, Ebola and Covid-19.
Neil Smith

Neil, 55, a chartered accountant, has worked as a finance leader in a number of listed entities within the UK over the last 25 years.
Simon Foster

Simon Foster is a business leader in the global exhibition and media industry. For nearly 30 years, Simon has focused on bringing business to life through connections.
Patrick Leoni Sceti

Patrick is founder and managing director of LSG Holdings and has supported Dreams Come True for over 3 years.
Annabelle Vaughan

Annabelle is a solicitor, specialising in Mental Capacity and protection of the vulnerable.
Rachel Humphrey

Rachel is a Human Resources Director, and has been supporting Dreams Come True since 2014.

What we do

Dreams Come True is a national Children's Charity who exists to deliver dreams to children who have it tough. We believe every child has the right to dream, no matter who they are or where they live. More info
Make A Referral

We only accept referrals from medical, healthcare, or social care professionals. Applications are on a first come first served basis, to ensure that no child is waiting too long for delivery of their dream.
Who we support

To ensure we reach the children who deserve our attention the most, we work with children who are living in the highest areas of deprivation in the country, and are living with a disability, serious illness, or life-limiting conditions. More info
What is a Dream?

Whether it's a break for a young cancer patient, a specially adapted trike for a child with cerebral palsy, a tablet to help an autistic teenager develop their communication skills, or a seriously ill child’s room makeover. Each dream brings a moments of magic and has a lasting impact for years to come. More info
Light up our Festive Dream Tree
Join the team

We are always on the lookout for people who share our values and mission and are dedicated to making dreams come true for children who have it tough.
Eligibility Criteria

To ensure we reach the children who need our attention the most, we have a set eligibility criteria that must be met in order to have a dream come true.
How it works

We work exclusively with, and only manage dream referrals from, those who know the Dreamers best –medical, healthcare and social care professionals.
TCS London Marathon

One of the biggest and best marathons in the world! We have guaranteed places but would also love to support anyone who has their own place through the ballot.
About us

We make dreams come true for children who are living with a disability, serious illness, or life-limiting conditions from the highest areas of deprivation in the UK. Bringing moments of magic that have a lasting impact for years to come. Our belief is that every young person has the right to dream, no matter who they are, or where they live.