We have recently strengthened our board of trustees by a duo of new appointments.

With the support of two new representatives from fundraising and educational backgrounds, we are already preparing to develop initiatives to raise money for the new financial year.

Their expertise will be vital as Sparkle expands its support to children in Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent, demanding an increase in funding to ensure that children, young people, and their families have access to the resources and leisure activities they need.

Stacey Hawdon, a corporate partnership fundraising specialist with 14 years' experience in the third sector, has joined the board to focus on income generation.

Stacey will be assisting Sparkle's fundraising team in their efforts to raise funds for future plans and initiatives.

Stacey Hawdon said:

"I joined as a Trustee because the work Sparkle undertake is absolutely vital to children and young people with additional needs. Sparkle is an ambitious charity that aims to be there for families when they need them most."

Tracey Pead has joined the board of trustees alongside Stacey.

She has 44 years of teaching experience in Wales and beyond in primary, secondary, special schools and university courses. She has held senior management posistions within Gwent education services specialising in additional learning needs (ALN).

Lately, she has played a key role in assisting several regions of Wales to prepare for the new Welsh language ALN reforms. She has also worked extensively with health boards, social care, and third sector organisations in South East, South West, and Mid Wales to enhance co-operation between these sectors and education.

Tracey Pead said:

"I am delighted to become a Sparkle trustee, continuing to work closely with the charity and some of the other trustees."

Sparkle chairwoman Janet Kelly said:

"We are truly delighted to welcome Stacey whose background in fundraising will be an invaluable asset to Sparkle, as will Tracey who brings years of expertise from working within the education arena. Both of them will play a crucial role as trustees."