Kieran Stewart, Trustee

For 25 years, Lifelites has been at the forefront of empowering children and young people with complex disabilities by providing cutting-edge technology that fosters connection, creativity, and joy. This transformative work wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of partners, champions, trustees, and supporters who contribute their time, skills, and passion to further the charity’s mission. This is why we have created this series; to celebrate the incredible families we have supported, the partners we work with, and the people who have supported our vision of a world of inclusion, fun, and happiness for all children and their families.

A Trustee’s Story: Kieran Stewart’s Journey with Lifelites

Kieran Stewart, currently Deputy Chair of Trustees at Lifelites, has been involved with the organisation since its early days, when it was part of the Royal Masonic Trust for Boys and Girls. His journey began in 2003 as a volunteer supporting hospice staff and children at Richard House, one of Lifelites’ partner hospices in East London. With a background in IT, Kieran offered invaluable technical expertise, assisting with the early PC-based equipment Lifelites deployed. As a member of the British Computer Society (BCS), whose motto is making IT good for society, Kieran believes in the lasting impact of Lifelites on children and families.

In the years that followed, Kieran’s role evolved. From volunteer to technical advisor, he helped evaluate new technology, ensuring that Lifelites continued offering innovative solutions to children. When Lifelites became its own organisation, he acted as an impartial advisor and reviewer of the technology choices that the charity was making in order to help shape the future offering of Lifelites. He then joined the Charity Projects Committee as a Technical Advisor and Volunteer.

Eventually, he became a trustee, contributing to governance, risk management, and strategic planning. It was a great match with his professional evolution and professes “not regretting a minute of it” since his appointment.

He is now the Chair of the Charity Projects Committee, which was a full-circle moment for him as he had started as a volunteer in the same committee. His expertise proved essential during the challenging COVID-19 period, which required Lifelites to adapt quickly to continue supporting children whilst adopting new ways of working.

“The COVID-19 period was very challenging, particularly in healthcare settings, where people were more vulnerable to infection. But we kept going with our mission by finding new technologies and new ways of working with our partners. Thanks to excellent leadership from our Services team, we came out of it with a really strong vision for the future.”

The Evolution of Technology at Lifelites

Reflecting on the past two decades, Kieran highlights the significant technological advancements and their impact on Lifelites’ services. In the early 2000s, most of the equipment was PC-based and required fixed setups. Over time, the introduction of mobile technology—such as tablets and smartphones—revolutionised service delivery, making it more flexible and accessible.

“The advent of iPads and tablets meant that the experience could be brought directly to children, whether they were in a hospice, at home, or even in their own beds,” Kieran explains. This innovation opened up new possibilities for children with limited mobility, allowing them to engage in interactive play and learning alongside their siblings and families.

Today, Lifelites offers a range of advanced technology, including virtual reality headsets and portable sensory PODS tents. These tools help create shared experiences, breaking down barriers and fostering meaningful connections between children and their families.

Pioneering Accessible Technology

Kieran is particularly proud of how Lifelites promotes inclusivity through technology. Whether through the Eyegaze, iClick Switches, or other assistive technologies, the charity ensures that every child, regardless of their abilities, can engage with the world around them.

“The companies we partner with are truly inspiring,” Kieran noted. “They think deeply about accessibility, designing solutions that allow children with wide-ranging challenges to control and interact with the technology in ways that work for them.”

Kieran remembers when he first saw the impact Lifelites technology could have on children and their families. When he volunteered at Richard House, the staff brought two siblings to a unit similar to the Eyegaze now. One of the siblings was confined to bed, but the two of them were able to bond and connect by playing together on the unit. He says, “These moments of connection that we talk about were literally right in front of me. It has fuelled my enthusiasm for Lifelites over the 20 years I have been involved. The smiles and the joy as children use the technology is what feels truly good”.

Looking Ahead: Lifelites 25 and Beyond

Lifelites recently launched its ambitious “Lifelites 25” programme, which aims to expand partnerships and introduce even more groundbreaking technology. Kieran is excited about the potential for future collaborations and innovations, anticipating novel projects that could create a lasting impact on children’s lives.

A Testament to Dedication

When asked about what keeps him motivated after 20 years with Lifelites, Kieran points to the smiles and joy on children’s faces as they use the technology. Whether it’s seeing siblings play together using VR headsets or witnessing a child create music with the Soundbeam, these moments reaffirm the profound impact Lifelites has.

“Lifelites is about more than just technology; it’s about creating moments of connection and joy for children and their families. The progress we’ve made in making technology accessible has been incredible, and I’m proud to be part of an organisation that continues to push boundaries and improve lives.”

As Lifelites continues to evolve, Kieran remains committed to supporting the charity in any way he can. “Even if I’m no longer a trustee someday, I’ll always be a volunteer. Lifelites is too important to walk away from.”

You can find out more about Lifelites and what we do, and discover the various ways you can support our work to bring life-changing technology to children and young people with life-limiting conditions.