Ollie & Friends
About Us
Ollie and Friends is a small, family-run business with a big heart. I’m Sharon, the founder and lead handler at Ollie and Friends.
The organisation was established in memory of my son, Timmy, who suffered from Tuberous Sclerosis, a very rate and debilitating brain disease. Timmy was diagnosed at 6 weeks of age and was severely handicapped both physically and mentally. He was a very brave young man who suffered greatly throughout his short life and, although he was unable to speak, he brought pleasure to those who loved and cared for him with his amazing smile and infectious laugh.
Sadly, Timmy died at the age of 25 in July 2010. I wanted to establish something in his memory that would benefit other handicapped children and those suffering from life-limiting illnesses. Throughout Timmy’s childhood years, he received expert care from Great Ormond Street children’s hospital and they continued to provide me with support and advice right up until the day that he died. I wanted to be able to give something back to them, both to thank them for what they did for Timmy, but also to help them to continue with the fantastic work that they do. Together for Short Lives is another charity that is close to my heart and one that Timmy would have benefited from, had he still been with us.
All private parties and fetes completed by Ollie or one of his friends helps us to complete the charity work that we do with terminally Ill children free of charge and offer hugely discounted rates to care homes. We also donate £600 a year to Great Ormond Street in Timmy’s memory.
Our Team
I was brought up with horses and have owned and worked with them my whole life. The team also consists of my daughter, Lucy, who grew up with horses and has also worked with them her whole working life, and my Granddaughter Beatrice, who can often be seen accompanying Teddy on his carehome visits .
Our ponies are accompanied by a dedicated trainer who ensures that they are healthy, happy, and well-looked after during the entire event.
We take exceptionally good care of our ponies, ensuring that all of them have regular deworming, dental checks, shoeing, and all necessary vaccinations. I hold an up-to-date first-aid certificate and have completed a safeguarding course for children & both myself ad Lucy have up to date DBS certificates.
Timmy
I thought of you today, but that is nothing new
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too
I think of you in silence,
I often speak your name
All I have of you are memories and your picture in a frame.
A memory is a keepsake, from which I’ll never part
God has you in his arms, I have you in my heart.
