Annabelle Vaughan Annabelle is a solicitor, specialising in Mental Capacity and protection of the vulnerable. Expand I am a Solicitor specialising in Mental Capacity and protection of the vulnerable. I act for a huge range of clients of all ages and backgrounds to help safeguard their wellbeing whilst also promoting their independence. Some but not all of my clients have the means to access equipment, breaks and experiences that hugely enrich their lives and I am delighted to be part of the Dreams Come True team that can help others have theses opportunities. Within the charity I have been able to use my experience to promote awareness of the issues facing children and young people with life limiting conditions. I have a mild disability myself which has always made me passionate about supporting individuals with challenges to achieve their dreams. I have previously been an Ambassador for The Rainbow Centre which provides conductive education for children with cerebral palsy and I was a Trustee for Hampshire Riding Therapy Centre. Outside of work and my charity commitments I live in the Hampshire Countryside with my soon to be husband and cat where we are all enjoying our new garden.
Rachel Humphrey Rachel is a Human Resources Director, and has been supporting Dreams Come True since 2014. Expand Rachel is a Human Resources Director for L&G, living in South East London with her husband Jonny and their two daughters Lara (17) and Mia (14)*. Rachel's son Myles had his wish made possible by Dreams Come True in January 2014, to go and visit the animals at London Zoo, a few weeks before he died of an aggressive form of cancer. He was just 2 and was a twin to Mia. Having experienced first hand the amazing work that Dreams Come True does for both young people and their families, she has been actively supporting the charity as a trustee and also in fundraising efforts and public speaking events ever since. *ages correct at time of writing in August 2025.
Neil Smith Neil is a chartered accountant with over 30 years of experience working as a finance leader in a number of listed businesses. He is Chair of the Finance Committee for Dreams Come True. Expand Neil is a chartered accountant with over 30 years of experience working as a finance leader in a number of listed businesses. He is currently the Finance Director of Fullers, Smith & Turner plc the premium pub owner and operator in the South and South-East of England. He was previously Chief Financial Officer of Domino's Pizza Group plc, Enterprise Inns plc and Telewest Global Inc and has held senior finance positions at Compass Group plc, Virgin Media and Somerfield plc. Neil is currently a trustee at Treloar's school and college where he has served as a trustee or governor since 2010 and is Chair of the Finance Committee for Dreams Come True.
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. Expand 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. Marsha is also a neuroscientist and has extensive experience in science and research policy. She has also developed an iPhone app called baby brain training to support parents interested in evidence-based activities. Marsha is passionate about social mobility and supporting disadvantaged communities. She is mentor for several young women. Is a long-standing mentor for a social mobility foundation and is a school governor at a north London primary school. Marsha is excited to bring her public sector experience and networks to Dreams Come True and to help the charity identify and access the most disadvantaged communities.
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. Karen is Chair of the Nominations Committee. Expand Karen was educated in Spain and the UK and graduated in Finance from Leeds. She then qualified as an Accountant and worked in various sectors prior to moving into recruitment. The move into recruitment allowed her exposure to a wide range of businesses and the various challenges /opportunities they faced at differing stages in their growth and development. The search business also afforded Karen the chance to meet and work with the widest range of people at differing stages in their careers. She was CEO for 17 years of a leading Search firm, Hoggett Bowers, prior to stepping down in December 2023. In addition to appointing people who have made a tremendous difference to the organisations who recruited them Karen is proud of being able to coach and advise a wide range of people, often over many years, as they have progressed their careers. During her career in Search Karen became increasingly aware of how experiences in childhood remains with adults throughout their lives. Karen took an early interest in DE&I and led Hoggett Bowers to Gold Status with Clear Assured as well as becoming the first Search firm to become RIDI 100. For the last 10 years she has also been a trustee within Children’s charities. Having now moved from executive life Karen is looking to expand this interest in Children’s charity further. Karen is married to Chris and has 2 adult stepchildren. Her interests include travel and history and is an avid reader. Karen is Chair of the Nominations Committee.
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. Expand Jayne’s career spans 30 years of which most, has been spent in Human Resources. Starting life in retail with Sainsburys supermarkets and moving to Financial Services and Private Banking, Jayne is now the Head of HR, UK and EMEA for Sothebys Auction House. During her career Jayne has gained experience within private and publicly owned companies dealing with all aspects of the Human Capital strategy, including advising and coaching senior leaders, cultural change, organisational design, performance management, diversity and inclusion and leadership. Jayne has also gained experience in Mergers and Acquisitions and in addition as a leader herself, has led large teams of HR professionals often across the globe. Jayne is married to David and has two daughters, lives in West London and in her spare time, enjoys exercising, cooking and spending time with her family.
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. Expand Jon is an Independent Business Consultant, having spent 35 years working at two of the UK’s most creative advertising agencies, CDP and BBH. He was part of BBH’s Leadership Team for 15 years, including 5 years as Chairman, before leaving in 2020 to set up his own business. Jon is also the Non-Executive Chairman of The BluePrint, a Global Exec Search business specialising in the Media Industry and a Board Trustee at NABS, a charity that is dedicated to advancing the mental wellness in the advertising, marketing and media community.
Susan Martindale Susan Martindale is an experienced executive and passionate advocate for people and purpose. As Group HR Director and Executive Committee member at Mitchells & Butlers, she leads the People strategy for a 47,000-strong workforce. Expand Susan Martindale is an experienced executive and passionate advocate for people and purpose. As Group HR Director and Executive Committee member at Mitchells & Butlers, she leads the People strategy for a 47,000-strong workforce, shaping a culture that drives sustained business success. With a career rooted in hospitality, Susan brings broad commercial expertise across HR, operations, procurement and transformation. Her governance experience includes serving on the Remuneration Committee, the M&B Charity Board and previously as a trustee on the company’s Pension Board. A qualified coach and dedicated mentor, Susan is committed to unlocking potential in others. She spearheaded M&B’s award-winning youth strategy, delivering inclusive apprenticeship programmes from entry-level to master’s degree, with a strong focus on social mobility and long-term career pathways. Her values-driven leadership and deep understanding of organisational culture make her a valuable contributor to boards focused on people, education, and community impact. Outside of work, Susan loves dining out and exploring new cuisines, staying ahead of hospitality trends, and travelling with her husband Alistair, family and friends.
Simon Linares Simon, who stood down as Chair after six years, now sits on our board as a trustee. He has an extensive career as a senior executive in several FTSE International businesses and is an experienced Charity trustee. Expand Having been Chair of Dreams Come True for the last six year, Simon has stepped down but has kindly agreed to remain as a trustee on the Board as we enter an exciting new chapter. Simon has an extensive career as a senior executive in several FTSE international businesses. 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 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'
Christina Sandkühler (Chair) Christina Sandkuhler joined Dreams Come True as Board Chair in March 2026. She joins the charity with a wealth of senior executive experience and more than 20 years of helping organisations grow responsibly, strengthen governance and deliver lasting impact across the private and not-for-profit sectors. Expand Christina Sandkühler is a board chair, trustee and senior executive with more than 20 years of experience helping organisations grow responsibly, strengthen governance and deliver lasting impact across the private and not-for-profit sectors. Christina was immediately drawn to Dreams Come True’s commitment to improving opportunities for children and communities facing disadvantage. She believes deeply in the power of these life-changing experiences to create moments of joy, confidence and resilience for children and their families during incredibly challenging times. I am truly honoured to take on the role of Chair at Dreams Come True. What makes this charity so special to me is its focus on children who are too often overlooked, living with both serious illness and significant social disadvantage. The incredible Dreams Come True team creates life-changing experiences that bring joy, confidence, and lasting memories not only for the children, but also for their families and communities. Every child deserves the chance to dream, no matter the challenges they face. I am incredibly proud to support this mission and look forward to working with the team, trustees and partners to ensure even more children and families can experience the hope and happiness that Dreams Come True makes possible. Alongside this role, Christina serves as Chair of the Board of Integrity Global Ltd, where she previously held an executive position as Chief Commercial Officer. In that role she helped guide the organisation’s global transformation, growth and partnerships while championing inclusive leadership, ethical business practices and long-term development impact. Christina is also a trustee of the International Lawyers Project and FORWARD, organisations advancing justice, equality and the rights of women and communities around the world. Earlier in her career, Christina held senior communications and leadership roles including at LaSalle Investment Management and several leading communications agencies, working on strategy, stakeholder engagement and organisational transformation in complex international contexts. Christina is German and British and lives between Madrid and London with her family. A historian by training, she is passionate about Renaissance, travel and medical history. In her spare time she enjoys Spanish food, painting, and exploring nature and museums with her children.