We do what we love & we love what we do...
The Board of Trustees has over 60 years of experience in the special needs community. Their expertise comes from personal experiences with their children's complex diagnoses and previous roles as Governors of two special needs schools. Claire, Amy, and Justine strive to provide a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment for children with disabilities and their families. They aim to bring a sense normality to these families' lives by offering opportunities for growth and connection.
With firsthand knowledge of local challenges, they can identify and address gaps in support. Their commitment is always delivered with kindness, optimism, and fun, believing in helping children and families make the best of their situation.
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Claire
Claire has 3 children, Ethan, Bailey & Charlotte. Bailey was born with a life limiting condition, he is her blue eyed boy and her inspiration and drive for The Special Lioness. Claire lives in Washington and her background is in admin/branding and management.
Amy
Amy has one daughter, Aoife who is undiagnosed and has a lot of complex needs but comes with a lot of smiles. Amy’s passion is advocating for parents around medical care, receiving the care families need for themselves and their children and sharing knowledge which she has gained from her time working in home health care.
Justine
Justine joined the team as a Trustee, after being a service user for many years; she offers a variety of skills to support our growth and ethos.
Her experience around Autism and complex physical disabilities bring a wealth of knowledge to the team.
Helen
Helen joined us in 2024 as our Fundraising Officer, spreading awareness and making local connections to strengthen our presence. Helen joined the team after attending a number of events and wanted to give back by volunteering her time.
Luna is our Charity Mascot. Luna brings a sense of fun, strength and familiarity to all our sessions.
Lauren is a Mam of 3 children. Her youngest has complex medical and physical needs. After a year of volunteering at our groups and events, Lauren stepped into the Trustee role. She brings brilliant energy, creative thinking, and a calm, caring presence that makes our community feel even more welcoming!
Our Trustees
Caroline
Paula
Joy
Our Patrons
Introducing Our Patron, Matt Wylie MBE
Paralympic gold medallist Matt Wylie brings the spirit of resilience, determination, and possibility to The Special Lioness. Born with cerebral palsy and undergoing multiple childhood surgeries, Matt rose to international success by winning gold in the 50m freestyle S9 at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, an achievement that earned him an MBE for services to swimming.
As Patron, Matt offers far more than his sporting accolades. He brings lived experience of overcoming adversity, a powerful voice for disability inclusion, and a genuine passion for uplifting families facing extraordinary challenges. His presence strengthens our mission, inspires our children, and amplifies the message at the heart of The Special Lioness: that every child deserves joy, opportunity, and a community that believes in them.
Introducing Our Patron, Kevin Durham
Kevin Durham (AKA Prof. Snape, Harry Potter Ball 2025) brings energy, heart, and big‑impact storytelling to The Special Lioness. A Film & TV creator, actor, and presenter, Kevin is known for turning bold ideas into feel‑good moments that make people laugh, think, and connect. As a charity auctioneer and event host, he has helped organisations around the world smash fundraising targets with his unforgettable stage presence and genuine passion for making a difference.
Kevin’s creativity, humour, and commitment to uplifting others make him a powerful advocate for families with disabilities. As Patron, he amplifies our mission, brings visibility to the challenges our families face, and helps create joyful, memorable experiences that reflect the spirit of The Special Lioness.
The Special Lioness, we are charity based in Washington, Tyne and Wear. We are a small team with big ambitions, dedicated to supporting families of children with additional needs, disabilities and life limiting conditions. No diagnosis is required to access our services, if you feel our services are suited to your family’s needs then our door is always open.
By offering guidance, advice, and enriching experiences, we aim to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Founded in 2017 by two devoted mothers of children with profound disabilities and life-limiting conditions, The Special Lioness emerged as a beacon of hope and solidarity for families navigating similar challenges. Our journey began in a Portage sensory group, where a shared sense of loneliness and frustration led them to create a charity focused on turning personal struggles into opportunities for positive connections and support.
We are committed to fostering strong friendships among parents and carers while providing joyful experiences for their children. Fundraising drives the our ability to deliver unique, memorable moments that bring laughter and happiness into the lives of families facing extraordinary circumstances.
With a deep understanding of the importance of cherishing every moment, we ensure that every child can enjoy life-enriching experiences while they are well enough to do so. This mission reflects our belief in making lasting memories and creating a supportive, inclusive community.
The Special Lioness stands as a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of connection, continually striving to uplift families and enhance their quality of life.
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