AFTER co-founding Tom’s Trust and being CEO until 2021 to the Cambridge-based charity, Deborah Mitchell (fondly known as Debs), has decided that it’s the right time to leave the day-to-day working of Tom’s Trust in the capable hands of CEO Rebecca Wood and her brilliant team.
Debs will take a short break before potentially joining the Board of Trustees.
Debs and Andrew Whitley first founded Tom’s Trust in 2011, following the death of their nine-year-old son, Tom, from a brain tumour. Their determination that other families should be able to access the specialist psychological support their family had needed has shaped the charity ever since.
Charlotte Bester has been working closely with Debs and has recently joined as Philanthropy Lead, leading the charity’s work with major donors and philanthropists, as Tom’s Trust delivers its ambitious Brighter Futures strategy – where the charity aims to raise £5 million in 5 years.
Rebecca said:
“It’s difficult to overstate what Debs has given to Tom’s Trust. What began with Debs and Andrew’s determination to make things better for other families has grown into a national charity supporting children and families across the country.
“After giving so much to Tom’s Trust, this is a chance for Debs to take some time for herself. We are enormously grateful for everything she has done so far and the foundations she has created for our future.”
Debs said:
“Tom’s Trust is a hugely important part of my life, and I’m incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together. It feels like the right time for me to take a break and I know the charity is in very good hands with Rebecca and the team.
“I’ll always be enormously grateful to everyone who has supported my journey with Tom’s Trust and helped me to turn our family’s experience into a positive change for so many others.”
