Kelly

Founder | Charlie’s Mum

Charlie & Friends was created from the deepest love a mother can hold. After losing my baby boy, Charlie, I founded this charity to ensure no family walks the path of grief alone. What began as my personal response to heartbreak has grown into a community of connection, support, and care for bereaved families across Western Australia.

I’m also a café owner, so community has always been at the centre of my world. I believe in bringing people together, creating safe spaces, and making room for real conversation, whether that’s over coffee, at an event, or through shared stories.

When you attend a Charlie & Friends event, it’s me you’ll meet. I’m always there to welcome you, help you feel comfortable, and make sure you feel safe and supported from the moment you arrive.

I’m also mum to two beautiful girls, Ella (7) and Rosie (2), who continue to inspire the work I do and remind me daily why support for families truly matters.

When I’m not working on the foundation or at the café, you’ll usually find me with a book in hand. Reading has been both an escape and a comfort, reminding me that even in loss, there is still connection, imagination, and light.

Charlie is forever at the heart of everything I do.

Tyler

Charlie’s Dad

Tyler is Charlie’s Dad — steady, loyal, and quietly strong. He’s a devoted father to Ella and Rosie, and the kind of dad who shows up, every single time.

A lifelong baseball lover, Tyler also runs Grubby Mits, combining his passion for the game with community and connection. Sport has always been his outlet, a place of focus, accountability, and mateship.

Behind the scenes of Charlie & Friends, Tyler is constant support. His strength, practicality, and deep love for our family sit at the foundation of everything we do in Charlie’s name.

linzi

Charlie’s Nana

Charlie’s Nana is the heart-softener of our family — kind, loyal, and always showing up when it matters most. She’s the one who listens without judgement, sits beside you in the hard moments, and makes you feel safe to say the things you might not say anywhere else.

She’s also the crier of the group, so you never have to worry about being the first one to get emotional — she’s already there with you.

You’ll often find her in the sauna or ice bath, keeping up with the latest world news, or right by my side helping care for Ella and Rosie with the gentle, steady love only a Nana can give.

Within Charlie & Friends, she’s a strong advocate for grandparents — recognising their grief, their role, and the quiet way they carry families through loss.

ella

Charlie’s big sister

Ella was just 3½ when Charlie died. Even at such a young age, she felt his loss deeply, and it has shaped the gentle, caring person she is today.

She is kind, empathetic, and a true light in this world. Always welcoming, attentive, and quick to include others. Ella loves being part of Charlie & Friends, proudly carrying her little brother’s legacy and helping new children feel safe and seen.

She’s the driving force behind our sibling events, often coming up with the ideas and activities we bring to life. She has a special way of connecting with kids who, like her, have a sibling in the stars, offering friendship, understanding, and the quiet reassurance that they’re not alone.