Hello from the team

FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
United Kingdom

Lifting Spirits is all heart; it’s been shaped by very personal experiences. It’s hard to put into words the vast ripple effect one act of kindness today can have on a vulnerable child’s entire life. I’ve seen it happen many times – and it’s happening right now. I have volunteered for charities for more than a decade and used these experiences to shape Lifting Spirits. I was also honoured to be chosen to lunch with Her Majesty The Queen when I was 17 years old in recognition of my charity work. Lifting Spirits is just getting started; it is a life-long journey for James and I. We are delighted to see our community of big-hearted and inspirational people grow. Our deepest thanks.

CO_FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
United Kingdom

Everyone wants to be able to build their own life – and you need education to do that. As the saying goes: give a man a fish and he can eat for a week, but teach him how to fish and he can eat for a lifetime. This principle is the foundation of Lifting Spirits. We are working together to enable children in very tough situations to be able to change their lives, to let their imaginations roam and explore their potential. Eswatini is a beautiful country full of kind people and it is incredible to see how generous donations enable the children to get back in the classroom – a vital step for them to change their futures.

EDUCATION MANAGER
Eswatini

I grew in a very disadvantaged background and people stepped in to pay my school fees; I wouldn’t have finished my education without their help. Today, I have an excellent job as an electrician that I really enjoy, I support my young family and I have many business plans for the future. My experience means I have developed an emphatic heart towards those who are less privileged. Lifting Spirits is the perfect space for me to share this passion. Someone stepped forward to help me and changed my life, so I’m honoured to help do it for other children.  

CONTENT MANAGER
Eswatini

Secondary school was not guaranteed for me; a donor paid so I could finish my education. Since then, I’ve had a great managerial job and raised my daughter who is now thriving in school. It hasn’t been easy, but having support for my schooling put me on a different track in life. Now, as I see other children at the same point I was, I’m committed to helping them change their lives. Seeing these real changes happen means so much – for me and for the orphaned and vulnerable children.

FUNDRAISER
United Kingdom

I have supported charities for 50 years; it has always been an important part of my life. Seeing the positive changes makes it all worth it. As a teenager, I volunteered with people with special needs and I have fulfilled many voluntary roles in my nursing career, including teaching St John’s First Aid. But sponsoring the schooling for three children in Eswatini has been particularly special. Seeing these young and disadvantaged kids blossom into responsible, kind-hearted and working adults is priceless.

MINDSET COACH
Eswatini

I am passionate about empowering young people and helping them build a brighter future. I launched a meditation group while at university, guiding my peers in personal growth, resilience and purpose. I believe the right support and encouragement can change lives and I’m grateful to be part of the Lifting Spirits’ team – watching this happen in real-time.