Our story
The story of Ailsa's Aim
Born from a family's own journey through cancer, neonatal care and the kindness of strangers — and now passing that kindness on, every single day.
Ailsa's Aim is a registered UK charity (Number 1188783, registered for Gift Aid), founded in March 2020 by Niven and Sara Whatley.
We exist to relieve the needs of people in England, Wales and Scotland, who are facing cancer, or who have experienced premature and problematic childbirth — along with their families and carers. We do that through practical support, delivering essential items and life's little "rays of sunshine," and signposting to other services that can help.
What that looks like in real life: hand-prepared care packs, small personal comforts, and a steady reminder that no person or family is walking this road alone. Our slogan says it best — “Putting You First.”
Our Mission
To bring comfort, dignity, personal care items and practical support to people facing cancer and neonatal diagnoses across the UK.
Our Vision
A country where no family in hospital or within their communities ever feels overlooked, isolated or unsupported in their most challenging times.
Our Values
Kindness first. Real human warmth, honest action, and quiet, consistent generosity. We have a team of volunteers, trustees and supporters who dedicate their time, energy, funds and love to help others.
Ailsa's story, in full
Our own story
In 2018, after six long years of trying to conceive, Sara was finally successful with IVF treatment, and was pregnant with our beautiful daughter, Ailsa — the inspiration for our charity's name.
At 12 weeks, Sara was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and had to self-inject insulin. A balancing act began: enough nutrients for the developing baby, while keeping dangerous sugar levels in check. Then, at around 20 weeks, an unexpected and sinister-looking cyst appeared, growing alongside the baby.
By 23 weeks, the diabetes was affecting Sara's blood pressure, and the cyst had grown exponentially to 12 × 12 × 10 cm — causing blockages, anaemia and severe pain. Doctors put much of it down to pregnancy complications.
At Ailsa's premature birth, and after a four-hour operation, Ailsa was rushed to Special Care. Sara's Consultant confirmed devastating news: the cyst was a rare and little-known form of cancer. Professor Seckl at Charing Cross Hospital ultimately diagnosed three rare, advanced ovarian cancers.
On 7th January 2019 — when Ailsa was just four weeks old — Sara began five months of gruelling chemotherapy and several blood transfusions. Niven spent those months moving between the hospital and caring for a tiny, underweight baby.
Thanks to Sara's strength, the motivation of looking after Ailsa, and the extraordinary skill of the NHS, Ailsa has grown into a happy little girl, and Sara is in full remission.
As of 2026, Ailsa is now a bright and beautiful 7 year old, Sara is our indefatigable CEO and driving force and Niven has found himself as full-time Chair of Trustees as he also navigates his own recent cancer diagnosis.
The establishment of Ailsa's Aim is our way of saying thank you — to the people who helped save the lives of both Ailsa and Sara and who are helping Niven, and to all the patients, families and frontline staff still walking similar roads.
A short timeline
From a family's journey to a registered charity
- 2013Sara and Niven begin trying for a family.
- April 2018After years of medical testing, IVF is approved.
- 2018Pregnancy confirmed — but with serious complications.
- Dec 2018Ailsa is born prematurely; Sara is diagnosed with rare ovarian cancers.
- Jan 2019Sara begins intensive chemotherapy at Charing Cross Hospital.
- 2019Niven and Sara begin running Ailsa's Aim as a charitable cause.
- March 2020Ailsa's Aim is registered as a UK charity (No. 1188783).
- March 2026Niven is diagnosed with bowel cancer and begins treatment.
- October 2026We now work with over 40 wards in almost 30 hospitals across England, and are about to begin direct work with beneficiaries in Wales, Scotland and the rest of England.
Our trustees
Volunteers who steward the charity and keep us accountable to the families we serve.
- Niven
- Kenneth
- Jill
- Euan
- Richard
- Georgia
Founders: Niven and Sara Whatley.
Walk with us
Whether you donate, volunteer, fundraise, engage in work days for us, follow us on social media or simply share our story — you're part of the family.