About Molly's Gift
A charity born from love, dedicated to bringing joy, opportunity and support to children and families across our community.
Our Story
Molly's Gift was founded in loving memory of Molly, a vibrant young girl whose infectious smile and boundless energy touched everyone she met. Her passion for bringing people together and creating moments of pure joy inspired her family to establish this charity in her honour.
What began as a small community initiative has grown into a thriving charity that supports hundreds of children and families each year. We believe every child deserves access to enriching activities, educational opportunities, and the chance to create lasting memories with their loved ones.
Through our grants programme, free activities, and community events, we're continuing Molly's legacy of spreading happiness and creating opportunities for young people to thrive. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every smile we see reminds us why this work matters.
Molly's spirit lives on in every child we help, every family we support, and every community we strengthen.
Our Values
These core principles guide everything we do, from the activities we run to the grants we award
Inclusion
Every child deserves a place at the table. We create welcoming spaces where all families feel valued and supported, regardless of background or circumstance.
Community
We believe in the power of togetherness. By bringing families and neighbours together, we build stronger, more connected communities that thrive.
Transparency
Your trust matters. We openly share how every pound is spent, ensuring your generosity creates real, measurable impact in the lives of local children.
Compassion
We see the whole child, not just the challenge. When families face barriers to getting involved, we listen first and act with empathy.
Kindness
Kindness is at the heart of everything we do. We show up for children and families with warmth, patience, and care.
Innovation
We're always looking for better ways to break down barriers. From fresh ideas to new partnerships, we find creative solutions that open doors to sport and activity for children who need it most.
Meet the Team
Our dedicated trustees and staff work tirelessly to bring Molly's vision to life, supporting families and creating opportunities across our community.
Leandra Whelband
Director
Leandra co-founded the charity in 2019 and is now director of the charity. Leandra has great passion in the cause and impact of Molly’s Gift and the legacy for her best friend Molly. Leandra has worked in the physical activity, community, health and charity sector for over 10 years and works for leading Active Partnership, Active Together.
James Mitchell
Treasurer
A qualified accountant with a passion for transparency, James ensures every penny is tracked and spent wisely to maximize our impact in the community.
Emma Rodriguez
Activities Coordinator
Emma designs and delivers our activity programmes. Her background in youth work and infectious enthusiasm make every session memorable for the children.
David Chen
Grants Manager
David reviews grant applications and works closely with families to understand their needs. His empathy and attention to detail ensure support reaches those who need it most.
Lisa Patel
Volunteer Coordinator
Lisa recruits, trains, and supports our amazing volunteer team. Her organizational skills and warm personality keep our community of helpers thriving.
Michael O'Brien
Fundraising Lead
Michael develops creative fundraising campaigns and builds partnerships with local businesses. His energy and networking skills help us grow our impact year on year.
Want to Help?
Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word, every action makes a difference. Join us in creating opportunities for young people across our community.