ABOUT US

Our Story

The Little Wings Foundation was founded in 2010 by like-minded healthcare professionals to alleviate the pain and lack of opportunities for children in the Middle East suffering from orthopedic conditions.

Children born with malformations, as well as children suffering from life-changing injuries due to accidents and, as a result of armed conflict, lack the opportunity to pursue an education and become full members of their society.

Physical barriers, the lack of access to education, and social stigmatization can lead to a life in isolation and void of opportunities.

Our group of volunteer healthcare professionals has united in an effort to provide cost-free, quality care to children in poor resource environments through reconstructive limb surgery and, when necessary, prosthetic management.

Our Team of trustees and volunteers is passionate about changing lives. They work on a volunteer basis, and no payments are made for any form of service. All donations to the foundation are used to make a difference in a child's life.

Since 2010, our Little Wings team has regularly conducted surgical missions to regions in the Middle East where children's medical care, particularly for musculoskeletal conditions, is severely lacking. Our surgical teams have worked in these areas, delivering successful reconstructive surgeries, conducting follow-up visits for past patients, and imparting crucial hands-on training to local healthcare providers.

A significant portion of our efforts is dedicated to the Gaza Strip, where the compounded challenges of restricted access to specialized medical services, the hurdles in seeking treatment abroad, a lack of essential surgical implants, and the absence of adequate prosthetic and orthotic support present unprecedented obstacles for our patients.

Our dedicated team consists of orthopedic surgeons, hand surgeons, prosthetists, and pediatric surgical and ward nurses, all committed to delivering care of the highest international standards.

Our Impact

Over the last 10 years, our organization has provided almost 3000 specialty consultations, free surgical care for complex orthopedic conditions to 450 children, and prosthetics and orthotics for more than 100 children. Beyond numbers, our missions provide hope to thousands of children, create opportunities, and allow children to dream of a better future. Many of our patients have grown up to become true role models, leaders, and active contributors to their immediate environment.

Our Team

  • Marc Sinclair

    MD. Co-founder and Director of Medical Services

    Marc, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, trained in Germany, Switzerland, and the US before moving to the Middle East in 2006. Motivated by the dire need for reconstructive surgery in children he observed while on missions with other charities, he co-founded the foundation in 2010. Marc oversees the charity's surgical care and prioritizes connecting compassionately with patients and their families, aiming to support them beyond surgery and pave the way for the children's thriving futures.

  • Gillian Beale

    Co-founder and Director of Nursing and Logistics

    Gillian, an operating theater nurse with over 25 years of experience in orthopedics, moved to the Middle East 20 years ago after specializing in Scotland. She is passionate about delivering quality care under challenging conditions and uses her extensive logistics expertise to organize the necessary supplies for our complex surgical missions.

  • Seonaid Biagioni

    Director of Operations UK


    Seonaid, a trustee with a Master's in Public Health, is our UK and Europe Director of Operations, overseeing logistics, administrative coordination of surgical missions, and volunteer engagement, supporting UAE activities. Her goal is to tailor our charity's efforts to the specific needs of communities, focusing on skill-building, education, and sustainable health improvements. Seonaid is dedicated to overcoming the challenges of physical disability and empowering children to lead robust and healthy lives.

  • Maher Roz

    Co-founder and Director of Accounts and Finance

    Maher, a CFA Charter holder with two decades of international banking experience, has been with the charity since its founding. He plays a crucial role in managing the charity's annual accounts and ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies such as Companies House and the Charity Commission of England and Wales.

  • Haya Shaheen

    Director of Operations UAE


    Haya, a long-time volunteer and supporter, now serves as the Little Wings Foundation's director of operations in the UAE. The UAE is a key hub for our operations and fundraising efforts, and Haya plays a pivotal role in coordinating activities with local partners. As our main point of contact for fundraising in the UAE, she also continuously expands our reach and network of supporters.

Our Financials

Our charity is registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales with the charity number 1138376. Annual financial reports and auditing follow the strict regulations of the Charity Commission and are available online for review.