Patrons
Jenni Thomas OBE
Jenni’s career began in the NHS in the 1960’s on a Special Care Baby Unit and Children’s ward where she learnt the value of listening to grieving parents. Her many years of knowledge of grief and loss has come from the families she has been privileged to know as a bereavement counsellor and trainer.
Jenni founded the Child Bereavement Charity in 1994.
In 2000, Jenni won the Nye Bevan Life Time Achievement award for her work as Paediatric and Maternity bereavement counsellor for the Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust. She received the OBE in 2002 in recognition for her work in Child Bereavement.
Under the NHS and the Child Bereavement Charity, she devised and ran pioneering education and support programmes for professionals, caregivers, volunteers and all whose work involves contact with grieving families.
She has written many publications and producing resources that accompany the training and information material. Her honorary doctorate from Buckinghamshire New University in 2007 was awarded in recognition of her contribution to bereavement education.
A member of the Royal College of Nursing and also involved in working with the Department of Health, she is both an adviser and trainer on bereavement issues. As one of the Rosie’s Rainbow team Jenni works with bereaved families all over the UK, and also at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where she offers training to the staff.
“The importance of the work of the Rosie Rainbow Fund is based on the life and loss of Rosie. I am honoured to be a Patron of Rosies Rainbow Fund”
Lucy Benjamin, Actress
When I first heard of the tragic death of Rosie, I cannot explain how upset I was.
I was nine when I first joined Redroofs Theatre School, and had no idea how important an influence it was going to be on my life. Right from the start I looked on both Carolyn and June, Rosie's mother and grandmother as extended family, who over the years were nothing less than generous, caringand supportive through some very difficult times.
My years with the school were some of the happiest times of my life, and when it was time to leave, I knew I would be leaving something very special behind.
When Carolyn asked me if I would like to be a patron of "Rosies Rainbow Fund " I didn't have to think for a moment before saying yes. Rosie had an outstanding talent, and we all know what an important part of her life music was.
She planned, when better, to raise money for other sick children through putting on her own shows and performing her own songs. Although she was tragically never given this opportunity, we are now able to make part of her dream come true through supporting Rosie's Rainbow Fund. Redroofs and everyone involved in it will always hold a very special place in my heart ,and being in a position to now give something back to the "family" who gave so much to me is indeed a great honour.
Adam Stafford, Actor
In showbusiness we have always helped out with charities. I enjoy it because it’s a win win situation, I am helping others, and that makes me feel good. But of course things change when you have a personal connection.
It is a fact of life that tragedy or disaster can strike anywhere at any time to anyone. Of course we don't go around anticipating these possible events or life would be pretty depressing, and besides there are so many amazing and wonderful and beautiful things in this world to make up for it!
The human ability to turn disaster into good is one of those amazing and magical things. So I was truly honoured to be asked by Rosie's mum to become a patron of Rosie's Rainbow Fund and help be part of that magic.
I knew Rosie and know that she would thoroughly approve of the activity and endeavour and fantastic help that she, through us and your support, are able to give to other families and children.
This way we all win, most of all Rosie.
Ali Bastian, Actress
Ali's text is coming soon!