A local charity which provides financial support for families where a child has a terminal illness has announced the appointment of their first chief executive officer. Fiona Heinonen takes up the new role at Kayleigh’s Wee Stars (KWS) at a pivotal moment for the charity, as they move from being a Charitable Trust to a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO).
This change in status positions the Oldmeldrum-based charity to employ more people and own property, enabling them to meet the increasing demand for the vital support that they offer families when they most need it. Fiona’s role will see her spearheading these changes, as well as managing the day-to-day responsibilities of running the charity, increasing brand awareness to stakeholders including within the corporate communities across Scotland, and investigating new revenue streams.
KWS was set up in 2012 by Jonathan and Anna Cordiner after losing their two-year-old daughter Kayleigh to a terminal brain tumour. Kayleigh was diagnosed in December 2011, and her parents took time off work, making it their mission to make her last few months the most special of their lives.
Primary teachers Jonathan and Anna established the charity to help other families in the same position to make memories with their child, regardless of their circumstances. KWS provides grants to families to fund specialist equipment, family holidays or just to relieve any financial strain and allow parents to take time off work and enjoy precious time with their child.
Fiona brings a wealth of experience in marketing and communications to the role, along with a specialism in corporate social responsibility, gained during her time in the energy sector. Fiona combines this corporate overview with the operational experience of her eight years in the charitable sector.
Founder, Jonathan Cordiner, said, “It’s been a tough couple of years for everyone, but we have done our best to carry on supporting the families across Scotland who have needed our help. As a small charity, we’re very grateful for the unwavering support of our fantastic group of long-term local partners and fundraisers, who have continued to champion our cause whilst facing their own challenges during CV19. Without them we wouldn’t have survived, and because of them we’ve been able to help 86 families with grants totalling almost £130k over the past 2 years.
“Now it’s time for KWS to ensure we’re here for the long term, and we’re excited to have Fiona on board as we start that journey. Her experience in both the corporate and charitable sectors will help us to finish our transition to a SCIO, as well as investigate new revenue streams, including new corporate partners, so that we can meet what we predict will be an increasing demand.
“We’re optimistic about looking ahead to 2022 and beyond, and we’re particularly excited to be able to hold our flagship fundraising events again, starting with the Barra 10k in May next year. Registration for the event will open on our website very soon.”
Fiona added: “The work that Jonathan, Anna and the Trustees have done over the past 9 years is phenomenal. Supporting hundreds of families across Scotland during the worst of times, helping them make cherished memories or easing their financial burden so they can spend precious time with their child without the worry of money. Doing this whilst working full time, running businesses, raising families and facing their own challenges - I’m not sure they know what an amazing achievement this is.
“It’s a privilege to be the first chief executive of KWS and as they celebrate their tenth anniversary in 2022, I will be proud to lead the charity into its next decade, ensuring it continues providing vital support for many years to come.”
For further information on the charity, upcoming events and how to donate visit www.kayleighsweestars.co.uk.