Our History

Childlife was established in 1992 as a way for four smaller, lesser known charities working with children, to fundraise collectively through payroll giving.

Initially run between the four charities, with each taking a key responsibility, it eventually grew to the point where a dedicated member of staff was needed. Karen England, formerly Head of Fundraising at NCB took over the day to day running of Childlife and grew it to a charity that was raising over £1m a year by the time she left in November 2006.

Based in an office in Fleet since 2000, Childlife is now run by four part-time members of staff with support from the trustees.  

There are four trustees, one from each of the four partner charities and trustee meetings take place each quarter with the Chief Executive to monitor and discuss campaigns, budgets and the governance of the charity.

To date, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, over £5m has been donated to our four partner charities for their work with children and young people throughout the UK who are facing challenges in their lives as a result of illness, disability or social circumstances.