Meet the My Shining Star Family

Anita Marinelli

CEO and Founder

A very personal journey and a tribute.

My Shining Star has a little bit of a story behind it and how it was founded, which is important to our journey….

In late 2009, cancer affected my family when my 8 year old cousin was diagnosed with Leukaemia out of nowhere. This was my family’s first experience with childhood cancer and the horror and upheaval that came along with it.

In January 2014, I was on maternity leave when my dad passed away suddenly at the age of 53. Whilst experiencing such intense grief, my one year old daughter then had several admissions to intensive care (9 times in 8 months to be precise) and we nearly lost her. She is fine now but I remember the walls of the hospital caving in, my husband having unpaid time off work trying to juggle my other daughter and helping me. I remember thinking, ”how do families of children with long term illnesses do this?’. Being apart as a family was difficult, so was coping financially.

Two weeks after Eliza’s last admission, my friends two year old daughter Ruby was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It was such a horrendous shock, her daughter being 6 months older than my own and so seemingly well. Being touched by grief and loss and my hospital experience - I then went on a crusade to support the family practically- and by spearheading the fundraising for Ruby’s treatment. This campaign was huge- brought a huge spotlight to childhood cancer and we raised £600,000 in just 10 months! The fundraising was a labour of love and a coping mechanism- in paying tribute to my dad (My Shining Star) and making sure that Ruby’s life wasn’t decided by money. In 2016, I was the overall pride in Medway winner. This was only a platform to help others. I always said if we help ten more families through a difficult time, it is a job well done. I had a massive amount of support from a fantastic community and from friends who really wanted to make a difference. Most make up the My Shining Star trustees. It really has taken a village! I believe the event of 2014 onwards have been turned on their head to create something positive and amazing. A tribute and coping mechanism. In memory of my dad but of so many children that have made a huge impact on us as human beings.

There just isn’t enough support for siblings who struggle, bereaved families and for hardship. But we are so proud to say that we are a small part of trying to change that. Every family we help mean a lot to us. We try to give them as much nurturing and practical support as possible and families facing this horrific journey have become friends.

I am pleased to say that Ruby is in remission and has had her very last cancer scan. The world is hers to conquer.

Gemma Wyatt

Trustee, Chair & Co Founder

I initially supported the fundraising for Ruby Laura and built a solid friendship with Anita. We quickly realised that all of the hard work could make a difference to lots of other families.

I bring experience in event planning, health and safety and compliance and I am always striving to juggle my full time job and support the charity needs.

Margaret Stanley

Trustee

I am a Mum & a Nan. I work part time with my son & we also help to supply the promotional products for the charity. I enjoy being a trustee and helping with the raffles & organising fundraising events when we are able, knowing the monies is going to help families when they need it most.

Cheryl Lane

Trustee

I am passionate about driving positive change and bring extensive experience in finance, systems, and governance. With almost 40 years’ experience across a range of industries, including previous trustee board roles, I am keen to apply this knowledge to support My Shining Star’s mission.
As a trustee, I am committed to ensuring the charity operates with transparency, accountability, and meaningful impact. I strongly believe in empowering communities, fostering collaboration, and driving sustainable change.
Outside of my trustee role, I enjoy spending time with my two children, as well as walking, doing puzzles, and crafting.
I feel extremely privileged and honoured to work alongside the dedicated staff and board at My Shining Star, and I will do all I can to support them in continuing to provide vital support to as many families as possible.

Sarah Rose

Trustee

I bring over 26 years of Human Resources experience across multiple industries, with deep expertise in both operational delivery and strategic people leadership. I currently work as Head of HR in the transport sector, where I lead a team responsible for core HR services alongside key strategic initiatives, including Talent and Succession Planning, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and organisational change.
In addition to my professional role, I am a parent to two teenagers and have gained valuable personal insight into neurodiversity through supporting my son, who is home schooled due to Autism and ADD. This experience has further strengthened my commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and individual‑centred support — values that align closely with the work of My Shining Star.
Outside of work, I enjoy yoga, walking, and cooking, and find spending time by the sea especially restorative.
My connection to My Shining Star began when her son attended Thames View Primary School, where the charity was founded following the Neuroblastoma diagnosis of a young pupils sister. Having been involved in early fundraising efforts, I am proud to now serve as a trustee and am committed to supporting Anita and the team as they continue to develop and grow this deserving charity.

Ruth Portway

Trustee

I am married with two adult children and two granddaughters of 17 and 24

My background is in nursing and health service management mainly in the community. District Nursing, Practice Nursing, Schools Nursing, Marie Curie and Meddoc have given me first-hand experience of the physical, emotional and financial impacts that a cancer diagnosis and illness has on the child, their siblings, their parents and beyond. Although now retired from paid employment I continue to be involved in our communities through Rochester Rotary, Gravesend Inner Wheel and Gravesham Town Twinning

I am proud to be a Trustee for My Shining Star and being part of this amazing, hard working team. I enjoy promoting and raising awareness of our organisation to enable us to sustain patients and their families in our own unique way

Heather O’Keeffe

Fundraising Manager

I began volunteering for My Shining Star in 2019, where I saw first hand the work the charity does to support families across the UK. I then began fundraising for the charity to help raise vital funds to support services such as hardship grants, counselling and bereavement support.

The devastation to the family unit following a Childs diagnosis of cancer gives me the determination to raise awareness of childhood cancer and contribute towards helping to support families going through such a difficult time in their lives.

Lee Roberts

Operations Coordinator

I have extensive experience in networking and finance, and I am so excited to be able to put these skills to great use, joining this fantastic team to support families who are dealing with the trauma that cancer creates. I enjoy my role as a Netball Coach in our community and am passionate about children gaining confidence and life skills through sport.

Our Team

Meet the My Shining Star Family

Anita Marinelli

Gemma Wyatt

Margaret Stanley

Cheryl Lane

Sarah Rose

Ruth Portway

Heather O’Keeffe

Lee Roberts