Meet The Team
Raj & Suritta Khera
Aakash’s parents
We are Raj and Suritta Khera; parents of Aakash.
In 2011, I established the AK Foundation Charity to help other children like our son, Aakash Khera, who was born in 1993 with brain damage and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Born with a life-expectancy of just 24 hours due to the lack of oxygen during birth, Aakash has defied the odds and, thanks to extensive medical intervention, unwavering family support, and the tireless dedication of my wife, Suritta and myself, he has reached the age of 30. Unfortunately, the oxygen deprivation has left him unable to walk, talk, or eat, and Cerebral Palsy has impacted all four limbs and he needs round the clock care with every aspect of daily life.
Ronnie Stracey
Chief Fundraising Manager
Click on each picture for more details
My name is Ronnie.
I’ve always had an interest in helping people and sharing with others ever since my earliest memories; I went to a very small Catholic primary school and still remember today how much we were encouraged to help and care for others – these are basic values that have never left me. Being Catholic, the Bible has many teachings about the importance of helping others and this was the core of family life at home.
Throughout my life, I have always worked in some charitable way and still support and donate to many today, but as life develops and you face its tribulations, you grow personally more attached to specific charities that resonate with you and realise even further just how important their work is.
Unfortunately for us, my Mum was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago; it instantly impacts you, your family and alters your life in so many ways and you’re drawn to what help you can give to save anyone else the pain. Luckily my Mum was given the ‘all clear’ due to the incredible advancements in modern medicine. My Nan and Grandad from different sides of the family both suffered and ultimately died from Alzheimer’s. I still support Alzheimer’s Research UK today because watching their decline is something I would not want for anyone. Hopefully with help towards vital research, a cure will be found for these cruel diseases.
My position with AK Foundation Charity has come about through work and getting to know Raj and his family; his tremendous work and dedication has inspired me, and his reason why is humbling. My interest in AK Foundation Charity and this new opportunity to fundraise, educate and create a difference is something I have enjoyed doing for years and will continue to do my absolute best to help all those suffering from Cerebral Palsy.
My experience in many walks of life and my varied skills mean I am more than able to succeed in this role and we will have a fantastic future where a positive difference will be made, for many.
Helping others is the natural way to share love; something the world will always need
Lydia Labrum
Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
I assess and treat/support people with common mental health difficulties such as anxiety disorders and depression. I also liaise with other agencies and signpost patients to local support services.
Wendy Jennings
Marketing Lead & Content Creation
I’m thrilled to be working with AK Foundation Charity and co-ordinating the wider marketing team. Working closely with our graphic designer, web developer and social media consultant, together we are pushing our marketing strategies forward to help raise awareness and much-needed funds for vital equipment for people with Cerebral Palsy and the profound disability it can often cause. With over 30 years’ experience in marketing and advertising, I have worked with a wide range of global businesses as well as spending 5 years in the charity sector, where some of my clients have included Cancer Research UK, The NSPCC, Barnardo’s, WWF, and Marie Curie.
By offering the services of my team to AK Foundation Charity, we hope to be part of the future support vehicle for babies, children, young adults and their extended families to give them the help they so desperately need.
Volunteers
Luke Plumley
Volunteer
Harjit Mann
AK’s uncle and volunteer
Jake Glanville
Volunteer
Rev Khera
AK’s brother and volunteer