Jon Rust – Founder, Trustee, Fundraiser And Event Coordinator

With a number of our trustees, Jon is the drive behind setting up Tyler’s Friends. Jon is in a unique (if not unenviable) position of not only being a bereaved parent himself but also a experienced Funeral Director and Funeral Celebrant. This gives Tyler’s Friends board of trustees a very balanced view of expectations and knowledge whilst ensuring that other bereaved parents are safe in the knowledge that they are talking to someone who has experienced their grief.

Danni – Vice Chairwoman, Trustee, Fundraiser and Events Coordinator

Hi, I’m Danni. I am a 37 year old mum who gave birth to two beautiful children. I have a very strong, loving, caring and resilient son who is 10 years of age and I am also mummy to a beautiful bright shining angel who relocated to heaven after only being on this earth with me for 8 short weeks. Sadly I became aware of Tyler’s Friends after losing my healthy baby girl back in 2018. Tylers friends came to me in my time of need, i was a bereaved mummy, i didn’t know which way to turn, I was grieving the loss of my baby daughter and then on top of that the worrying financial pain of how I would fulfil my wishes for my princesses funeral. Tyler’s friends financially support families by holding events and fundraising. They came to my rescue, my daughter travelled like every princess should in a beautiful white carriage pulled by two elegant white horses with pink plumes. Tylers friends helped me immensely in my grieving process, and when they approached me about joining as a Trustee I didn’t even give it a second thought, now 7 years on I have been promoted to Vice Chairwoman. I knew I wanted to give back and give that help and support to other families whilst they are going through a loss that no parent should. A charity of this nature should not exist, no family should ever have to endure such pain but sadly we do. Due to my loss, I went in search of my most desired career, and that was in the funeral industry. I have had the privilege to work as an Embalmer for over 3 years, helping many families along their grieving process and I have now ventured into front of house, becoming a Funeral Arranger. I take pride in being able to assist and support people daily on their journey and support those who need it. Tylers friends work endlessly, we work full time and in our spare time we continue working in the hope it helps relieve and ease others pain and help make it just that little bit easier. I never thought 8 years ago this would be a bio of mine but it is. Sadly, we need your continued support in which ever way you can, no matter how big or small it makes a massive difference to our families. Thank you for helping us help them.

Tasha Clark – Trustee, Fundraiser and Events Coordinator

Hi, I’m Natasha and I am 28 years old. I have worked at The Potteries Care Home for 9 and a half years and I am a suite manager. My Mum and Step Dad Jon started this charity just over 4 years ago. I have helped out at the events and taken part in walks etc and I’ve also been on the grant decision team. I’m now excited to be on board as a trustee and events coordinator and look forward to putting together some fun events next year and to raise much needed funds for Tyler’s Friends

Courtney – Trustee, Fundraiser And Event Coordinator

My name is Courtney and I’m 22, a mumma to my Angel boy River-Harvey who I sadly lost at 29 weeks

I am a supervisor in Costa and am so excited to be part of the Tyler’s Friends family! I can’t wait to meet everyone and get involved

Thank you to the family, who before I joined, for providing me with the most beautiful memorial for my boy

Alison Russ – Trustee, Fundraiser And Event Coordinator

My name is Alison Russ, but please feel free to call me Ali. (The only time I hear “Alison” is when my mum is annoyed with me! ) I’m 31 years old, happily married, and I have Autism and ADHD sometimes I get anxious but I want to help where I can. I’m a proud mother of four children, ranging in age from 11 to 3. I’m also a passionate animal lover, with two dogs of my own, and I occasionally assist a family friend with her horses.

I’ve had a deeply personal and emotional experience of loss, having gone through the heartbreak of losing a twin pregnancy, with six weeks between the losses of my two babies. This experience has made me truly appreciate the incredible work that Tyler’s Friends does to support people during their most difficult moments. I’m honoured to be part of such a compassionate organization and deeply admire their commitment to helping as many people as they can.

I look forward to meeting those I haven’t had the chance to connect with yet and getting involved in all the great work ahead. I’m excited to be a part of the Tyler’s Friends family and to contribute in any way I can.

Jodie White – Trustee, Fundraiser And Event Coordinator

Hi, I’m Jodie

Hope Amor – Trustee, Fundraiser And Event Coordinator

Hello, my name is Hope and I’m 28 years old. I have 2 children, a boy and a girl who are both autistic.

My career path has taken me to working in care homes and being a funeral arranger and director.

In my time working in a funeral directors, I have looked after families who have lost their baby and helped them put together a perfect goodbye.

I love being apart of the Tyler’s Friends family and raising money for the charity.

Lacey – Trustee, Fundraiser And Event Coordinator

Hi my names Lacey I am 30 years old and a mother to 3. 2 boys aged 10&2 & a baby girl who was born sleeping. It was through the loss of Rosie I met Kirsten at Tyler’s friends and quickly realised how amazing this charity was and sadly how many people needed their help. Since then I’ve stayed in touch tried to help raise money to help the next family in need. I will be forever grateful for Tyler’s friends without them we wouldn’t have Rosie’s beautiful headstone. I look forward to joining the Tyler’s friends team, meeting you all & organising more fun events for everyone to enjoy to support those parents in need

Lauryn- Trustee, Fundraiser And Event Coordinator

Hi my name is Lauryn and I’m 24 years old. I work as a cleaner & im a mummy to 2 gorgeous boys & a baby that lives in heaven. Sadly We lost a baby in October 2022 through this difficult time Tyler’s friends stepped in and helped us with our memorial that we are so grateful for. So I’m now taking on a role as a trustee for Tyler’s friends so I can give back & raise money for help family’s like myself who will sadly go through the loss of a baby/child. I look forward to meeting everyone

Claire Starmer – Trustee, Fundraiser And Event Coordinator

Hi, I’m Claire

Ali Haesler – Tyler’s Friends Team, Fundraiser And Event Coordinator

I have worked as a clerical officer at Poole Hospital since 2014. I am married to Steve and we have one Daughter, Chloe. I got involved in Tyler’s Friends as it was put together by my best friend Kirsten and her Husband Jon. I have participated in many of the events over the last 3 years, but I draw the line at running! Kirsten has even dragged me out of bed at 5am to help raise money for Tyler’s Friends, which I am happy to do providing a coffee is supplied. I look forward to helping this amazing charity grow so they can continue providing assistance to bereaved families.