About the Charity
How we built Finley's Touch:
No parent ever wants to create a charity in their child's name. Losing someone as incredibly special as our beautiful boy Finley has had a devastating impact on our family.
As one of our friends aptly put it, we have "thrown our grief into building Finley's Touch." Through this charity, we are sharing his fun, hope, and happiness. You can see it in his brother Jacob, in his friends, and in the incredible energy that must be shared. The world is a better place because of it.
Nicky (Finley and Jacob's Mummy) worked tirelessly to get Finley's Touch registered as a charity, setting up the banking, governance, policies, and structure. Ben (Finley and Jacob's Daddy) is the creative force behind many of the whimsical ideas, the website, and the graphics. Our amazing band of trustees fill in the gaps.
We are fortunate to have had the support of friends, family, and even strangers from around the world, coming together to create something beautiful out of something so tragic. We present to you: Finley's Touch.
How do we help?
We support children who have had a cancer diagnosis across South East England, covering Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Hampshire.
Meet the Trustees:
Nicky Relf
Nicky is the backbone of the charity's administration. When a trustee comes up with a brilliant idea, it's Nicky who takes charge at the Fulfilment Centre, packaging items and making trips to the post office to ensure everything is done perfectly.
The charity allows Nicky to continue honouring Finley's memory, and she takes immense pride in the impact his name has on helping others. Understanding the challenges of this journey, she is dedicated to supporting those who are navigating this difficult path.
With over 20 years of service in the ambulance sector, Nicky still wears her uniform with pride, despite her dislike for night shifts.
She will always be searching for a Time Machine.
Ben Relf
Ben has found immense solace in helping to establish and run Finley's Touch, which has been a crucial part of his healing process after losing Finley. It keeps his mind occupied, brings back happy memories, and demonstrates to the world that survival is possible even when everything seems lost. The heartfelt messages of gratitude from those they've helped make it all worthwhile.
As a Paramedic and Operational Team Leader for The Ambulance Service, Ben's days are always eventful. In his spare time, he enjoys updating the website and brainstorming new, creative ideas. Inspired by Finley, Ben initiated the Paint Splatter Workshop, which has since enabled many children to create wonderful works of art.
Aaron Arnold
Aaron has been instrumental in shaping Finley's Touch from its inception, with her ideas, support, and encouragement playing a crucial role in getting the charity off the ground.
She is always punctual for our Trustee Teams Meetings, arriving at least a minute early, brimming with wonderful suggestions and a passion for new projects. The only issue is that "technical difficulties" often prevent us from hearing her or seeing her properly—definitely not due to too much Prosecco!
Aaron's love for order and tidiness makes her an unlikely but excellent manager of our Paint Splatter Events, where she excels at getting creative and glittery with the kids.
One of Aaron's most rewarding experiences though was single-handedly transporting five Hospital Survival Bags across London with her four-year-old, Brooks, to bring fun, happiness, and hope to the children at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Sophie Windsor (Streeter)
Sophie is the vibrant force behind Finley's Touch. Despite her belief that she is the most fashionable and glamorous of the trustees, she is always ready to roll up her sleeves, grab a Nerf Gun, and dive into playful chaos with anyone willing to join her. Making the kids laugh with joy is her ultimate reward—after all, that's what Fairy Godmothers are for!
Finley's Touch is fortunate to have Sophie managing all our social media accounts. She is constantly on the lookout for fundraising ideas and innovative ways to spread the word about Finley's Touch. If there's a way to share our latest Facebook post beyond the solar system, Sophie will find it.
Eleanor Relf
Auntie Eleanor's boundless energy, even on groggy Sunday mornings, keeps us all motivated and ensures that Finley's Touch continues to thrive.
Eleanor's expertise in writing press releases and her extensive media knowledge are invaluable to the charity. She even penned a special story for Finley while he was in the hospital, which you can read here.: https://finleystouch.org.uk/fun-and-games.
She's bold as brass with a bucket, and can get the kettle on faster than a megalodon chasing a shark at breakfast time.
Colin Barry
Colin oversees our finance department and often serves as the voice of reason, especially when our conversations veer off into whimsical topics like how a rubber chicken could pilot a jumbo jet...
Ralph Doe
Ralph joined Finley's Touch as a Trustee in winter 2022, after months of enthusiastically sharing his quirky fundraising ideas with Ben, Nicky, and anyone else who would listen.
In just a few months, he launched a successful Christmas Card campaign, introduced the option to adopt a rubber chicken, and if we implement even half of Ralph's other ideas, we're in for some exciting times ahead!
With nearly 20 years of experience working with charities and non-profits, Ralph brings invaluable knowledge, skills, and personality to Finley's Touch.