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Ambassadors
We're proud to introduce our charity ambassadors which includes leaders within the health service, food industry and media. Their passion, commitment and dedication to the charity is truly inspiring and we are privileged to welcome them as advocates and ambassadors for Sophie's vision for change.
Phil Shelley
Chair of the NHS Food Review 2020, Senior Operational & Policy Manager – Soft FM, National Lead for Net Zero Food
In the summer of 2021, I was privileged to meet with Sophie and Charlotte Fairall. At a time of great pain for them both, Sophie shared a number of challenges with me, describing so eloquently the lack in quality and availability of children’s & young people meal choices, as well as the lack of compassion for parents and guardians when food and drink should be supplied when appropriate.
In my role of Senior Operational Manager and Lead for food at NHS England, I have committed to work closely with Sophies’ Legacy, driving positive change with hospitals and linking closely with the nursing directorate to support “what does good like”. At a time when we recognise that there are significant pressures on the NHS, it is vital that we understand what is the right thing to do, and put “care” at the centre of healthcare.
Caroline Benjamin
Director - Food Allergy Aware
Caroline Benjamin is honoured to take on the role of ambassador for Sophie’s Legacy, a charity focused on improving hospital food for children and supporting families affected by childhood cancer.
In her role, Caroline has introduced Charlotte, Sophie’s mother and founder of the charity, to influential figures such as Phil Shelley, members of the Hospital Caterers Association, and professionals within the hospitality sector, helping to extend the charity’s reach. She is also deeply involved in fundraising efforts, securing raffle prizes, and incorporating Sophie’s Legacy into the Wessex Branch Salon Culinaire competition, all to raise awareness and drive meaningful change.
Nathan Askew
Chief Nursing, AHP and Experience Officer at Alder Hey Chair, Association of Chief Children’s Nurses (ACCN)
Although I never had the privilege of meeting Sophie I know she would have been challenged us all to do more for children and young people in hospital, and importantly their families.
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This is why I am so supportive of Sophie’s Legacy. I am in a position where I can influence the care we deliver at Alder Hey and am proud of what we have been able to achieve. I see each day the difference this work has made to our families.
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All parents are vital in the care we provide to children and young people; therefore, I strongly believe we should be ensuring they receive food which is not means tested or seen as charity, it should just be the level of family centred care we provide. If we look after the parents basic needs they are more able to care for their children and it helps reduce financial burden of being I hospital for families at what is already a difficult and worrying time.