Our Team
Tasleen Carstairs, Founder
Tasleen Carstairs founded Forward Facing in 2008, determined to support young people struggling with the effects of cancer. What started with confidence-boosting events soon grew into a journey of supporting children and their wider families. Sadly, Tasleen passed away in 2014, but her compassion and vision continue to inspire all that we do.
Candice Konig, CEO
Candice Konig, Tasleen’s best friend, promised to carry on her legacy and has led the charity with love and dedication ever since. With her warmth and determination, she has guided Forward Facing through new challenges while keeping families at the heart of everything. Candice’s commitment has been honoured nationally with the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award.
Malcolm Bashford
Trustee
Malcolm began volunteering at events in 2021 and soon grew to become on of our most committed individual fundraisers. He has taken on many sponsored challenges, focussed particularly on raising money for our male carer events. Since becoming a trustee in 2022, Malcolm continues to champion Forward Facing through both hands-on and fundraising support.
Natasha Penney
Trustee
Natasha was first introduced to Forward Facing as a parent in need of support. Grateful for the difference the charity made to her family, she became a trustee in 2019. She brings invaluable insight from lived experience and a strong commitment to helping families feel supported, regularly donating her time at events and working behind the scenes in the charity’s day-to-day activities.
Chelsea Spence
Activities & Accessibility Coordinator
Chelsea first came to Forward Facing with her own family, experiencing first-hand how vital its events and services can be. She soon began fundraising and volunteering, and is now an integral part of the team. A social media specialist, Chelsea has expanded our reach and helped develop lasting partnerships with local enterprises.
Danielle Scott-Palmer
Trustee
Danielle has been involved with Forward Facing since 2018 and became a trustee in 2020. With a background in banking and business management, she brings valuable financial oversight and helps guide the charity’s long-term direction.
Costas Antorka-Pieri
Trustee
A long-standing supporter of Forward Facing, Costas joined the board of trustees in 2023 to play a more active role. Drawing on his business expertise, he helps shape the charity’s strategic and financial direction, ensuring we remain sustainable and impactful.
Kelly Verstappen
Design & Finance Manager
Kelly first became involved with Forward Facing in 2018, creating bespoke costumes for wheelchair users at events. Within six months she took on the charity’s financial management, drawing on her professional background in finance, and today she combines her creative and financial skills to support Forward Facing, recently joining the grants team..
We simply couldn’t do what we do without the support of our incredible volunteers.
Whether it’s setting up events, serving refreshments, or offering specialist skills in areas like design, finance, or strategy, every contribution makes a real difference. Some volunteers give a day of their time, others join us regularly — all are valued.
Their dedication helps everything run smoothly and ensures every family we support feels welcomed and cared for. By joining our volunteer team, you’ll be part of something truly meaningful — helping us create special moments and lasting impact for the families who need it most.