Under the terms of the Foundation’s constitution of a charitable incorporated organisation, the objects of the Foundation are:

For the public benefit, the relief of those in need by reason of ill health or life limiting conditions (children up to 18 years of age). In particular, but not exclusively by; (a) the provision of grants and financial assistance, (b) by funding research and (c) by raising awareness.

Since establishing, the Maia Mouse Foundation has developed strong links with Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice based in Huddersfield and with Shooting Star Children’s Hospice based in Guildford and Hampton. More recently, we’ve linked with The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice in Stoke on Trent, Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice in Liverpool, Coventry & Middlesbrough & also Claire House Children’s Hospice in Wirral. We look forward to developing our relationship with them all & supporting their families. The foundation works alongside hospice staff, including their Head of Care, nurses & social workers, to support some of their families and children by way of grant referrals.

Standard grants of £250 can be awarded to children with life limiting conditions linked with the hospice, to provide some relief from their illness, through funding holidays, breaks, memory making activities, alterations to their home or for the purchase or hire of equipment to be able to care for the child. Each grant is considered on an individual basis and approved by all trustees.

The Maia Mouse Foundation raises funds through various fundraising opportunities; we aim to hold one large annual fundraising campaign ourselves, which have included; a party evening with auction & raffle, golf tournament & most recently our walk the world campaign. We also have the support of our dedicated fundraisers, who carry out many fundraising opportunities throughout the year such as; marathons, walks, coffee mornings & raffles to name a few.

We recognise that through 2020 the world has changed significantly, but one thing that remains very much within it is helping each other and those in need. Looking towards 2021 we aim to link with other children’s hospices around the country to be able to reach out to more families and to support their children.

Gemma Baum

Gemma has a background in teaching and has taught pupils from 5-11 in the primary setting over the years, leading subjects across the school.  Gemma’s skills in planning & organisation are crucial in running the day to day life of the charity.  As one of the charity’s founders, Gemma has been able to communicate effectively with trustees, hospice staff and the parents of sick children, which she does with sensitivity.  Gemma is dedicated to ensuring the charity reaches its full potential, she would like to see growth and further its reach to children around the country. 

Gemma says, “Caring for Maia was the most special yet one of the most difficult times of my life.  I fully understand the impact it has on your family & the difference it makes when someone reaches out to you, to offer some support.  Maia had some of the most special days and we created so many wonderful memories with her.  I want the charity to be able to help other families give the same to their children.  The Maia Mouse Foundation is Maia’s legacy and a way for us as a family to keep Maia’s memory alive whilst giving something back in return for those who during our time of need reached out to us.” 

Joe Baum

Bio coming soon! 

Ingrid Tingle

Ingrid has a background in Global Engineering, working as Chief of Staff, looking after people, budgets and special projects.  She has a keen eye for detail, good leadership skills and loves being organised, which has been crucial in establishing the Charity & organising events. Ingrid is dedicated to helping others and brings a wealth of enthusiasm to the Maia Mouse Foundation team.  Ingrid would like to see the charity continue going from strength to strength, engaging with more children’s hospices throughout England and ultimately helping many more sick children and families in creating those well needed memories.   

Ingrid says, “Having been a trustee since the charity was set up means so much to me – I love being a part of such a fantastic cause. We see first hand where the grants are going and knowing we are helping families create those memories they will cherish for years to come is truly wonderful. Being very fortunate to have been in Maia’s life gives me the utmost passion and drive to ensure her beautiful memory lives on”.

Michael Dodgson

Bio coming soon! 

Jamie Elliott

Bio coming soon! 

Will Esplen

Will has worked in the Real Estate Industry for 30 years. He saw at first-hand the impact Maia’s story had on the lives of Joe and Gemma and was inspired to see how they have come out of those dark days with the strength to help others. He has used his industry contacts to help organise and be part of many of the events that have raised significant funds for the Charity. He has also been able to draw on his contacts in the Hospice sector to help build the network of Hospices we support, with more hopefully in the pipeline. Will is committed to the way in which the Maia Mouse Foundation can make a small but important difference to peoples’ lives. 

Will says, “The Maia Mouse Foundation’s story is one that brings home to me that in difficult times, there’s always someone who needs a helping hand, and even more prepared to give that help”.