Our staff

Carolyn Brice – Chief Executive

I joined The Compassionate Friends very soon after the sudden death of my nine-year-old daughter, Rosie in December 2004. 

I found TCF, and the parents I met there, a lifeline and continued to attend my local support group for a number of years. I became a National Helpline Volunteer in May 2008 and in October 2012 began a role in the National Office, sharing responsibility for administration and finance and then taking on the management of  charity operations. I have degrees in History, Psychology and a PGCE qualification. My previous varied working life – including positions in sales and marketing, publishing, training, teaching and retail – has given me a range of skills and experience to bring to my current role as CEO of The Compassionate Friends in the UK. 

I live in South West London with my partner. My surviving daughter is now grown up but was almost 7 years old when her big sister died. I enjoy painting, sailing, skiing and running – but I am equally happy curled up with a good book! People who know me say I am a motivated, enthusiastic and approachable person. I continue to find it an absolute privilege and an honour to be working alongside so many dedicated volunteers and staff to offer support, understanding and hope to bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents.

 

Ruth Mercier - Helpline and Volunteer Manager

I joined the TCF staff team in May 2015 as the Helpline Coordinator, working on a part-time basis from home.

My connection with TCF began shortly after the sudden death of our ten-year-old son, Joel, in January 2009. I realised very early on that I would somehow have to ‘survive’ Joel’s death and, alongside the support of friends and family, TCF offers me the opportunity to do so in a way where I feel less alone and better equipped to manage his absence from our lives.

I have many years’ experience in office administration and am also a trained, person-centred counsellor. I am easy going, level headed and have a good sense of humour, enjoying being there for people. I am hoping these combined skills will contribute to being a good team player, to maintaining an efficient, caring Helpline for new and existing bereaved parents and to supporting the wonderful volunteers who keep it going.

I have recently joined a local support group as a co-facilitator and continue to attend a support group.

Originally from Ireland I now live in Surrey with my husband and our daughter who is 19. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, love reading, cinema, theatre and travel, and much enjoy nature and walking. I’m increasingly appreciating the value of just being in the moment with life generally and look forward to contributing to the great work already being done by TCF.

 

Jo Kitterick - Helpline Coordinator

I first came across TCF after the sudden death of our beautiful two-year-old daughter, Lily, in June 2010. I was handed a TCF information booklet in the hospital just hours after she had died and reading through this provided me with much needed hope, comfort and reassurance in the early days and months that followed.

Since that moment I have held TCF close to my heart, often accessing the online support that is available. In 2021 I joined as a National Helpline Volunteer and in August 2022 I was honored to join the staff team as the Volunteer and Helpline Assistant. Due to family commitments in 2023, I took 12 months off work, very gratefully returning to my role with TCF in 2024.

I have a degree in Sociology, and I hope the combination of my administration, marketing and recruitment background alongside the heartfelt empathy I have for all bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents helps to provide an efficient and caring support service for TCF.

I work on a part time basis from home where I live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire with my husband, two younger daughters and our Labrador Retriever, Arthur.

I enjoy helping people and spent a two-year period as a Listening Volunteer for the Samaritans. I mostly love spending time with family and friends, walking, running, yoga, good food, good books, travel, films, dance and theatre. I find peace in nature and solace in finding creative ways to remember our precious girl, Lily.

 

Beth Blenkinship - Events Manager

I joined TCF in January 2025 and oversee the management and administration of our in-person and online supportive events, including retreats, support days, walks, and online groups.

Having recently relocated to London from the Northwest of England, I bring lots of experience in community and events roles, having worked with various organisations such as local government, housing associations, and charities. Additionally, I founded and ran a youth arts charity for 12 years, that used the performing arts to help young people develop their skills, abilities, and confidence.

Now based in Southwest London, I also provide volunteer admin support and usher at a local theatre. When I’m not volunteering, you’ll likely find me in the audience, as I love experiencing a wide range of productions.

 

Sharon Rose - Events Assistant

I learned of TCF shortly after the suicide of my daughter Emily in 2011 but didn’t become a fully signed up member until several years later.

I have a degree in drama with American studies and for several years worked in theatre and film, then moved into publishing where I worked for Virgin. After the birth of my two children I continued to copy-edit at home and even now complement my part-time work at TCF by working with a biographer and a novelist on their books. I also volunteer at a community centre where I do the washing up after a senior citizens luncheon club.

I used to love reading but since the death of my daughter have found it hard to concentrate enough to read much so I watch vast amounts of TV and go to the cinema and theatre as much as I can. I also took up life drawing a few years ago.

I live in North West London and joined the TCF office team as Events Coordinator in October 2017. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions about forthcoming events.

 

Shirley Gower - Grief Companion Scheme Manager