Connie Yates
Co-founder and Chair
After losing my son, Charlie, to a mitochondrial disorder, both myself and my partner decided that more needs to be done to help support families affected by mito. Treatments are limited, research is underfunded, and we found very little support to guide us through the most devastating time of our lives. I don’t want another family to have to go through what we did, and so we decided to launch The Charlie Gard Foundation in memory of our son and ensure that support is available to every family touched by this incurable disease.
Chris Gard
Co-founder and trustee
I can’t explain the pride I have for my little boy, Charlie. He taught me so much in his short life and it’s my honour to now be able to work for Charlie’s foundation and ensure that his legacy lives on through the hard work of the charity. More research into viable treatments must be supported, and we also recognise how precious every family moment is once you’ve been given the dreaded news of a life-limiting condition. Whilst working for the foundation I’ll make sure we aim to deliver on our promises and give a better, brighter future for mito sufferers and their families.
Carlos da Silva
Trustee
I qualified as a barrister in 1983 when I was a member of Lincoln’s Inn. I subsequently qualified as a solicitor in 1989 and proceeded to co-found Harris da Silva solicitors. In 2017 I represented Connie Yates and Chris Gard as they fought for the right to try life-saving treatment for their son, Charlie. I’m delighted to support Charlie’s parents as a trustee for The Charlie Gard Foundation, and look forward to the future of this innovative and pioneering new charity that will be honouring Charlie’s memory. His legacy will live forever.
Steph Roundsmith
Head of Communications and Fundraising
Charlie touched a cord in my heart, as he did so with hearts around the world. His plight to try treatment abroad affected me so much I became quite heavily involved with Charlie’s cause, and did everything in my power to help him on his journey to America. I’m now humbled and honoured to be a part of Charlie’s legacy and look forward to working for such a worthy cause, and supporting Charlie’s parents as they embark on this wonderful opportunity to change the world for the better.
Latest News
Butterfly Awards
On Saturday 27th October 2018 Connie and Chris attended a very special event called The Butterfly Awards. The inspirational ceremony and dinner brings together the champions and survivors of baby loss, and brings much needed
Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week
Sunday 16th September 2018 marks the start of Mitochondrial Disease Awareness week, and to celebrate such an important date in the mito calendar we have are proud to launch Charlie’s Gifting Week too.
No other family should be put through our heartbreak
A new law in memory of baby Charlie Gard was laid before Parliament last night in a bid to spare other families courtroom clashes with doctors.