About us
Hi all, we are the VIB's (Very Important Buddies) Beth, Tash, Jenny, Gemma and Alan we are FIA’s Buddies.
A little background- this idea blossomed when one of Tash and Dan’s beautiful daughters was diagnosed with Down syndrome and additional health related conditions. As family and friends we support Tash, Dan and her girls as much as we were able to but clearly saw that the information and support was not very forthcoming and/or difficult to find.
The names FIA represents the names of Tash’s 3 beautiful girls.
The funds raised by FIA’s Buddies is to bring a long-lasting difference to the lives of these children by the provision of resources for education, signposting to information and resources to support wellbeing and improve quality of life. By doing this encourage children to achieve their potential.
Our Inspiration
Meet the beautiful girls that inspired this idea.
Our Very Important Buddies (VIB's)
Meet the Buddies behind FIA's Buddies
Beth
Superpower -
Hello Everyone, I'm Beth.
A little bit about me, I am a HCPC registered Occupational Therapist with the NHS.
I have experience working with adults with learning disabilities, coaching youth rugby and previously involved with the cadets of St John Ambulance.
I am so excited to be a part of FIA's buddies. Seeing the experience that Faith's diagnosis has had on the family, i am keen to support others not to have the same experience.
Tash
Superpower -
Hi, my name is Natasha, although most refer to me as Tash.
FIA's Buddies is a charity that is very much close to my heart.
When I was approached with the idea of setting up a charity to help improve the lives of not only the person with Down Syndrome but their siblings I knew it was the perfect way I could help.
There is so much information out there that isn't easily accessible or common knowledge. We wanted it to be in one place to make everyday life easier.
Not only did we want information to be something we can offer but also look at how we could help siblings.
As a parent of a child with Down Syndrome I know how hard it can be keeping up with appointments but also the constant pressure to meet the needs of everyone. Trying to balance the time between children can be hard but being able to access support all in one place is our aim to help take less time away from family life.
This is why I'm excited to see this charity get off the ground. I very much look forward to helping make a difference however big or small that difference will be.
Jenny
Superpower -
Hi, I'm Jenny, a mom of 2 adult children and a retired registered nurse.
Having spent my professional career caring for people, in my retirement I turned my hand to raising funds for charity by baking.
When our beautiful great niece came in to our lives with Down Syndrome, it became clear that there is a huge amount of information which does not make its way easily to the families of those who live with Downs Syndrome. This has had a significant impact on our niece and her beautiful siblings and parents.
For this reason we decided to start FIA's Buddies. I am excited to raise funds to support children with Down Syndrome and their siblings and additionally we hope to provide education and signpost to resources.
I can hopefully bring some of my nursing knowledge and experience to help and support families ultimately to improve the quality of life for all.
Gemma
Superpower -
Hello, my name is Gemma, and I’m proud to be a trustee of FIA’s Buddies — a charity that supports children with Down syndrome and their siblings.
Our aim is to create a safe, inclusive space where families can connect, share experiences, and access the support they need. This work is very close to my heart.
I’m 36 years old and come from a family with a strong understanding of additional needs — my sister and daughter are Deaf, and my brother has complex needs. I’ve also worked with children with special educational needs and adults with complex support needs, so I’ve seen just how powerful the right support and community can be.
One of my closest friends, Tash, has three beautiful children, and her youngest has Down syndrome — which inspired me to get involved with this amazing charity. I’m especially passionate about supporting siblings of children with additional needs, who can often feel overlooked.
At FIA’s Buddies, we believe in supporting the whole family — not just by offering direct help, but also by sharing knowledge, lived experience, and signposting services that can truly make a difference.
Alan
Superpower -
Hello Everyone, I'm Alan.
Father of 2 grown children.
Former Senior Manager of Torbay Hospital and Lead Nurse for Cerner UK.
Retired Charge Nurse: RMN RGN with 25 yrs acute hospital experience.
I have experience in how the NHS works and patient experience and rights. Having assisted and advised Tasha in getting the care her daughter needed. I to want to signpost others and deliver improved communication from hospital and Social Services to families with Downs Syndrome and their siblings.