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Super Sam cartoon

OUR MISSION

Sam’s Superheroes Foundation was founded in 2021 to honour the memory of our beloved son, Sam, who tragically passed away from FIRES (Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome) at just 5 years old.

 

As a registered charity (1210458), Sam’s Superheroes Foundation now raises funds to support vital research into FIRES, the rare and devastating disease that took our son from us.

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ABOUT SAM

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Sam was a boy who found joy in life's simple pleasures—whether it was turning a stick into a sword, marvelling at nature, or building train tracks.

 

He loved splashing in puddles in his wellies, collecting stones at the beach, and laughing at silly jokes. Sam's infectious love for life and nature touched everyone around him.

He adored superheroes, often dressing up as his favourite, never knowing he would become a real-life hero himself. Sam’s bravery and spirit live on through Sam's Superheroes Foundation, a lasting legacy of his courage, joy and kindness.

Sam dressed as a sheep
Sam hugging animal therapy dog Daisy
Sam

ABOUT FIRES

FIRES (Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome) is an extremely rare and aggressive neurological condition that causes life-threatening seizures and can lead to permanent brain damage.

 

There is a shocking lack of research into this devastating condition, leaving families with unanswered questions, limited treatment options and little hope. Our goal is to change that.

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LACK OF RESEARCH

Despite the severity of FIRES, it remains vastly under-funded and under researched. This lack of research means families are left in the dark, struggling to find treatments that can improve their loved ones’ lives.

 

We are committed to raising funds to drive research that could lead to breakthroughs, better treatments, and ultimately a cure.

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OUR CURRENT FUNDRAISING GOAL

We are currently working towards a fundraising goal of £50,000 to fund a research grant that will make a significant impact on understanding and treating FIRES.

 

Your support can help make this a reality.

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Rachel Liew with baby Sam
Rachel speaking to BBC radio Derby
Rachel Liew with Derby based therapy dog Daisy
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MEET OUR FOUNDER:
Rachel Liew

Rachel Liew, Sam’s devoted mother, founded Sam’s Superheroes Foundation to create a lasting legacy for her son and raise awareness of FIRES. As the driving force behind the charity, Rachel oversees its daily operations and works tirelessly to fund research and support families affected by FIRES.

An advocate for FIRES research, Rachel is available for guest speaking, panels, and interviews. In 2023, she was a guest speaker at the NORSE Institute's International Conference. More recently, she shared Sam’s story at the UK’s Epilepsy Research Institute’s Reception in London, where she introduced the pioneering researchers leading the UK’s first FIRES Research study.

To book Rachel for speaking engagements, please contact her:


Phone: 07880 343416
Email: rachel@samssuperheroes.co.uk

For press and media enquiries, please contact Sarah at Penguin PR:

Phone: 01332 416228

Email: sarah@penguinPR.co.uk

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MEET DAISY THE SUPER THERAPY DOG

Daisy, a black Labrador, was Sam's beloved dog from the age of two, and they were inseparable. Her calm and loving nature mirrored Sam’s, and when Sam was in critical care, Daisy’s visits showed her remarkable ability to comfort and soothe. After Sam's passing, it felt natural for Daisy to become a key part of his legacy and the charity.

Trained by Brook Working Dogs and who will shortly become a certified Therapy Dog with PAWS, Daisy works alongside Rachel to provide animal-assisted therapy. She brings joy, healing, and Sam’s love to children in various settings.

Our Therapy Dog Work Includes work with the following organisations:

  • Silverhill Primary School, Mickleover

  • Castle School, Derby

  • St Thomas Catholic Primary School, Ilkeston

  • Bridge the Gap, Child Mental Health, Derby

  • Lunar Mind, Derby

Daisy’s work continues to make a profound impact, spreading Sam’s warmth and energy wherever she goes.

daisy the therapy dog
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Sam's Superheroes Foundation Trustee - Sarah Leroux

Sarah Leroux – Chair

Sam's Superheroes Foundation Trustee - Becky Sutton

Becky Sutton - Finance 

Sam's Superheroes Foundation Trustee - Emma Plummer

Emma Plummer - Vice Chair

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OUR TRUSTEES

Our trustees are a passionate group of individuals, all driven by a commitment to making a difference. Each of us brings unique skills and experiences to the table, but we share one common goal: to honour Sam’s legacy by supporting families affected by FIRES and pushing for research that could save lives.

Sam's Superheroes Foundation Trustee - Millie Saunders

Millie Saunders – Deputy Safe Guarding Lead

Sam's Superheroes Foundation Trustee - Rhiannon Jones

Rhiannon Jones – Safe Guarding Lead

Sam's Superheroes Foundation Trustee - Sarah Newton

Sarah Newton – Media & Communications

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