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Capital Appeal Board

A committed Board of volunteers is generously giving their time to Charlie House’s Big Build Appeal to help make a specialist support centre for children a reality.

Each bringing their own skillset and expertise, our Capital Appeal Board members will be integral to the successful delivery of the Big Build Appeal, providing guidance, hosting events, helping with networks, and connecting the local community with the cause.

The Big Build Appeal will create an £8 million specialist care centre in Aberdeen, providing much needed respite, palliative care and end-of-life care for children in the North-East. The state-of-the-art facility will have sixteen children and family bedrooms, and will include an immersive room, spa pool, craft room, soft play area, and therapy room. When complete, the new facility will transform the support available for local children and their families.

The Capital Appeal Board will bolster our efforts as we embark on the final push to reach the total and build our much-needed centre.

Meet the founding members of the Charlie House Capital Appeal Board.

Profile image of Jenny Shirreffs Charlie House Capital Appeal Board member. She is smiling and has white hair. There is green foliage in the background.

Jenny Shirreffs MBE

Former deputy lieutenant of the City of Aberdeen, Jenny was born and educated in Aberdeen and has been involved with the voluntary sector of the arts and various charities both local and national for over 50 years. Until January 2024, she was a Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Aberdeen and in past years has been a member of Court of the University of Aberdeen, Chair of the Student Experience Committee, President of the Alumnus Association and Chair of the Friends of the Elphinstone Institute, a director of the North-East of Scotland Music School, Chair of Aberdeen and NE Deaf Society, a founder member of the board of Aberdeen Performing Arts, treasurer of the Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust as well as being involved with numerous other civic, academic, cultural and charitable organisations.

She was awarded an MBE for services to the city in 2009 and an honorary degree of Master of the University in 2011. She is also a CStJ having chaired the local Order Committee for several years. She is married to Murdoch, a retired GP and medical hypnotherapist. Hobbies include playing the piano (for the Boys Brigade for 50 years), cooking, crosswords, travel, going to the theatre and listening to music.

Profile image of Tom Murdoch Charlie House Capital Appeal Board member. He is smiling and has dark hair with dark facial hair. There is a yellow background.

Tom Murdoch

Managing director at Brimmond, Tom is a passionate chartered Engineer and business leader working within the energy sector. His studies began in Edinburgh where he gained a BSc Hons in Design Engineering and several years later also completed an MSc in Subsea Engineering from the University of Aberdeen. In his role as Managing Director at the helm of Brimmond, his vision is to grow the family business locally and internationally whilst providing a great place to work for the team.

Profile image of Catriona Stevenson Charlie House Capital Appeal Board member. She is smiling and has auburn hair, leaning her chin on clasped hands. There is a black background.

Catriona Stevenson BA (Hons)

SEQual manager at Offshore Energies UK, Catriona based in Westhill, in Aberdeenshire, is a seasoned professional with a First Class Honours degree in Business Management. With over 15 years of experience in the banking sector, she now excels as the SEQual Manager at Offshore Energies UK, connecting buyers and suppliers in the energy sector. Catriona is a proud mother of two boys, aged 16 and 11. She enjoys football, motorsports, reading, baking, and spending time with her family. Known for her strong relationship-building skills and innovative approach, Catriona is always ready to bring great people together.

Profile image of Jeanette Forbes Charlie House Capital Appeal Board member. She is smiling and has light coloured hair wearing a multi colour scarf. There is a yellow/green out of focus background.

Dr Jeanette Forbes OBE, MUniv, Hon DBA, FRSA

CEO at PCL Group, Jeanette's journey from Yorkshire to Aberdeen in 1986 marked the start of an influential career in the city's business sector. As a systems engineer, she made her mark in the oil and gas industry before founding PCL Group in 2000. This global IT service provider has seen tremendous growth, expanding its operations across 27 countries in just over two decades. Her move into hospitality with Grape & Grain in 2017, and soon Mediterranean, have also been highly successful business ventures.

Leadership roles at Blue Gentoo and OMMICA reflect her commitment to technological innovation in the EnergyTech sector, contributing significantly to the pursuit of Net Zero. Jeanette's contributions to Scotland's digital advancement and international trade, as Scottish Chambers of Commerce Ambassador for Pakistan, have earned her significant local, national and global recognition. Her OBE in 2020, awarded for contributions to business, technology, and charity, along with honorary doctorates from both Aberdeen Universities in 2023, are fitting tributes to her enduring impact.

Profile image of Andy Imrie Charlie House Capital Appeal Board member. He is smiling, wearing glasses and has light grey hair with light grey facial hair. He is standing while leaning against a walled mirror on his left side with arms folded. There is a dark grey background.

Andy Imrie

Managing director at CS Group, Andy is a highly skilled executive with more than 25 years hands on experience with local, national and global companies. Hailing from Aberdeen, family man Andy has worked with entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial businesses plus private equity backed organisations. He is particularly adept in top-line growth strategies, turning around challenged businesses, and due diligence.


“We are thrilled to have appointed a Capital Appeal Board to serve as active advocates and champions of the Big Build Appeal.

“All members bring diverse experiences, perspectives and networks, which will be invaluable in reaching our £8 million goal to build a specialist centre for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in the North-east of Scotland. We are hugely grateful to all the Board for their commitment to the Big Build Appeal and championing vitally needed care for local children.”

Emma Leiper Finlayson
Director of Fundraising

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