About Us
Alex and Ilmarie Braun – Founders
Following the birth of their second son Eddie, Alex and Ilmarie’s life was changed forever. Eddie had suffered a bleed on his brain in utero and went on to develop a number of significant challenges. Over the years Alex and Ilmarie experienced many of the wide range of emotions and challenges that are often involved in caring for a child with serious health problems, and whilst it was, and still can be, an incredibly difficult journey to navigate they began to truly understand the value of support. Support from family and friends but also from charities and agencies who are passionate about helping people in need. Recognising the importance of a strong family unit in bringing up a child with additional needs they became keen to find ways to offer support to other families in a similar situation. Alex strongly believed that given the opportunity to do so, many holiday let owners would welcome the chance to gift a little time in their property for the benefit of families in need, and so Time Away was born!
In his role as CEO Alex is responsible for the day to day running of Time Away, and is working hard to ensure that the charity grows to its full potential, and is able to help as many families as possible.
Damaris Darby – Trustee
Damaris is a nurse, who works as a Research Delivery Manager for the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Oxford University.
Having spent much of her professional life in ICU looking after patients and their families going through some of the most challenging and life changing of times, she felt honoured to be invited to be a founding trustee of Time Away. It means a lot to Damaris that in helping to grow Time Away she can support the provision of such an important service to families, at the time they need it most.
Damaris lives in Oxford with her husband John, their favourite places to holiday include anywhere that is good for cycling and wild swimming, with North Wales and Scotland regular favourites.
Dominic Leeson – Chair of trustees
Having worked in the private, not for profit and charity sectors, Dom has broad experience as a technology leader specialising in business transformation and IT operations.
In his spare time, he loves nothing more than getting some country air with his wife and three children, walking the dog in the Cheshire countryside. He is passionate about the regenerative power of spending time with nature and escaping the trappings of modern life.
Claire Binns – Trustee
Claire is a sustainability, communications and brand leader with more than 20 years’ experience in the travel, tourism and visitor economy sectors. She has led sustainability strategies, supported organisations through B Corp certification and developed partnerships that deliver meaningful change for communities and the environment.
Having worked closely with Time Away since 2022, Claire has seen the difference a break away can make to families facing incredibly challenging circumstances. She is passionate about using her experience to help the charity grow its reach and impact, enabling more families to access much-needed respite breaks and valuable time together.
When she’s not working, Claire enjoys spending time in nature, discovering new places and exploring the UK and beyond. She also loves cooking and baking, and trying out new recipes to share with family and friends.
Alex Taylor – Treasurer
Alex works as the Financial Controller of a large Independent Day school. After 12 years at the school he is well versed in the various aspects of charity finances, managing donations and assessing applications for bursary funding.
Away from work Alex serves as a trustee to his local church, he also runs a weekly youth group and helps to coach his son’s football team. In any remaining free time he has he enjoys watching films, sports and theatre.
Alex is married with two children; the family’s happy place is the North West of Scotland in late autumn.