Meet The Team

Trustee

Cassie Poulter

I am honoured to be a trustee of Florentina’s Footsteps Foundation. My daughter Matilda and Florentina were the very best of friends, who always had so much fun together and loved each other very much.

Having seen how painful childhood cancer is, being able to be a part of providing support, treats and happy moments to families and their child is very special and one I am truly committed to help achieve.

I am a proud mum of four beautiful children, CrossFit and Prosecco lover for balance and will always be the one keeping a calm head.

Florentina’s impact has already been incredible, her personality and smile spread so much joy to everyone, it is an honour to continue spreading her joy through her legacy, and to forever say her name through this charity.

Trustee

Donna Marino

Florentina’s Footsteps Foundation is held very close to my heart as I am Florentina’s grandmother known as ‘Nonna’.  This charity, formed by my daughter, who I am extremely proud and grateful for, means a huge amount to me as Florentina’s journey never ended when she so bravely passed it just continued to grow.  She has shaped so many lives and touched so many hearts in exceptional ways. This chapter of her journey will help bring comfort to those families who are going through worrying times.  Being a trustee is a true honour.

Trustee

Jessica Weller

I’m Jess one of Florentina’s Footsteps Foundations trustees. I am proud and honoured to support this fantastic charity for a number of reasons.

Firstly because I have been friends with Florentina’s family for over 20 years and watching the 3 and a half years of hospital stays, long admissions and what they went through as a family, if I can give anything back to support other families living the same then that is exactly the aim of the Florentina’s Footsteps Foundation.

Secondly working in the NHS I see how children’s and families support is often woefully under funded and resourced, especially children’s palliative care, their services predominantly relying on charity support to exist.

Thirdly Florentina is one of the children in our group of friends who were all born in 2017, like my own daughter, so it is important for her name, inspirational courage and magical spirit to live on, bringing that love and light she had to others.

I hope I can support Florentina’s legacy in anyway I can.

Volunteer 

Katie Hearn

I work in a nursery and truly love what I do.

I met Florentina and family, when my son started nursery, their friendship continued alongside other friends and my daughter too. Florentina fought with such incredible bravery  and she is missed beyond words. Continuing Florentina’s legacy is incredibly close to my heart, and volunteering allows me to honour her by supporting other children and families in hospital, to bring moments of comfort, joy, and hope during such difficult times. I hope that in some small way, I can help bring smiles to faces when they are needed most.

Volunteer 

Alison Burton

I’m a proud “crazy aunt” with a big heart, endless energy and a love for life. This charity is inspired by my beautiful niece, Florentina, who sadly passed away in 2024 at just seven years old. Florentina’s light, joy  and courage continue to shape everything I do.

I’m fun loving by nature and happiest when surrounded by family, friends and animals. Especially my horse and my cat, who keep me grounded and smiling every day. You will find me on the kids table at family parties and running around playing games at all events!

My fundraising journey began when Florentina was diagnosed and now I want to help continue fundraising to help other families and children. Through this charity I hope to turn love, loss and compassion into something meaningful that makes a real difference.

Volunteer 

Derina Pennington

I work at a primary school in Early Years and when Florentina joined our class shortly after her diagnosis I was her LSA. She was such a strong-willed sassy, cheeky and funny girl despite all she was going through and I will forever hold those memories in my heart. It’s now a privilege to be part of her legacy in supporting her family and the charity that bears her name as well as also having her equally sassy and hilarious sister, Sofia in my class this year.

Volunteer 

Laura Radford

I am a proud volunteer with Florentina’s Footsteps Foundation, a charity created in loving memory of Florentina, the daughter of our incredible friends Amelia and Kev. Supporting this foundation is so important to me. Through my involvement, I hope to honor Florentina’s beautiful spirit while helping raise awareness, support families, and contribute to meaningful change. Being part of this foundation allows me to turn love, loss, and remembrance into action.