What does it mean to lead an organisation where every decision carries the weight of someone else's story?
Our CEO, Nathalie, reflects on her first year leading Lia’s Wings, a charity founded in Lia’s memory and shaped by the stories and experiences of the families we support.
I knew this organisation was special and unique, but I had no idea how much this role would challenge, inspire and motivate me.
What has struck me most over the past year is the privilege and responsibility that comes with leading a charity built in memory of Lia. Lia's Wings exists because one family chose to turn unimaginable loss into hope for others. Lia's story is at the heart of everything we do, and being entrusted with protecting and building on her legacy is something I never take for granted. It also motivates me to ensure the charity continues to grow its impact for years to come.
That responsibility also extends to the families we support. When a child is critically ill and needs treatment far from home, families are often navigating fear, uncertainty and practical challenges all at once. Our role is to remove some of those barriers by arranging life-changing aeromedical transfers and supporting families throughout their journey. Behind the decisions we make are parents, children and families whose lives may be changed by what we do. That is a responsibility I feel every day, and one that sits at the heart of every decision we make.
Journeying alongside Lia’s family and the families we support, we experience their lows as well as their highs. We live through trauma, grief, relief and joy with them. There have been moments over the last year that I know will stay with me for a very long time. They have affected me deeply and reinforced just how much it means to support families when they need us most. I never lose sight of the fact that there will always be another family who needs us, and I want to make sure we're there for them.
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand the difference this work makes. Behind the logistics, complexity and urgency of every transfer is a baby or child, a family, and a story. I've seen the relief that comes when a family realises they are not facing their situation alone, the hope that access to specialist treatment can bring, and the lasting impact that a single flight can have on a family's future. These stories shape how I approach my role as CEO and the decisions we make as an organisation.
Like any growing charity, the last twelve months have brought plenty of opportunities and challenges. Being CEO of a small charity involves wearing a lot of different hats, and no two days are the same. Alongside supporting families and building partnerships, I've been focused on strengthening the foundations of the organisation so we can grow sustainably and increase our impact in the years ahead.
One of my favourite aspects of the role has been meeting the incredible people who make our work possible. From clinicians and aviation professionals to donors, fundraisers and supporters, Lia's Wings is powered by people who genuinely care. Their willingness to come together for families in crisis never fails to inspire me, and shows they feel as deep a responsibility and commitment to supporting families and continuing Lia’s legacy as I do.
There is so much to be proud of. We have helped a record number of families, expanded our family support services, purchased new life-saving equipment and completed more transfers than ever before. We became a partner of the FCDO's Travel Aware campaign, raised more than a quarter of a million pounds through Ride for Lia, and developed new partnerships to help us support even more families.
As I mark my first anniversary, it feels important to pause and recognise the dedication of our remarkable team, our committed Board of Trustees and the supporters who make this work possible.
And yet, in many ways, we're only just getting started.
I am incredibly grateful for the trust that has been placed in me to lead this special organisation. As I look ahead, I feel proud of what we have achieved together, excited about what comes next, and more committed than ever to honouring Lia's legacy and the families we support by ensuring that every child has access to the care they need, wherever they are in the world.
Here's to the next chapter.
