How it all started
Bucket List Wishes was established by Gini Hackett after losing her Mum to Cancer just weeks before. She wanted to turn her own personal experience into something positive in Memory of her Mum ‘Jean Evelyn Vaughan’ so she launched this Charity on what would have been her Mum’s 68th Birthday in July 2013.
In April 2012 Gini’s Mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer and her life expectancy was just a few months because the cancer was already in three major organs. This news devastated the family, but the first thing Gini did for her Mum was buy a hardback book and special pen and asked her Mum to write down her Bucket List. Gini felt it was important to focus on doing things that her Mum wanted to do or achieve in the short time she had left to live. As well as giving the immediate family, extended family & close friends something positive to do during such a difficult time.
So ‘Jean’ wrote her list over the next couple of weeks. They contained things like visiting Blenheim Palace, as this was the only Stately Home she had never visited in the UK. Gini worked out plans for each one and Jean ticked them off as they did them! By September, which was the estimated life expectancy time given to Jean, everything but one on the list had been ticked which was an amazing achievement.
The last thing on the Bucket list we thought was unachievable due to us being short of time. However, when Jean was still here in November although she was very unwell, Gini put in a last minute plan of action and with the help of a very special lady called ‘Alessia’, was able to fulfil ‘Jean’s’ final Bucket List Wish… to see Andrea Bocelli live. A memory they would share and Gini would cherish forever.
It wasn’t until after her Mum died in April 2013 that she realised how important achieving all of the things on the list really was to those left behind.
Now these memories get her through the sad and difficult days when she misses her Mum. She draws strength, enjoys laughter and still sheds tears but is just so grateful they made these memories together.
These memories only exist because of the ‘BUCKET LIST WISHES’ her Mum wrote.
Meet The Team
At Bucket List Wishes, we are proud to be run by a dedicated team of volunteers who generously donate their time and skills to make a difference in the lives of others. Our organisation is run entirely by these passionate individuals who share a common goal of bringing joy and fulfilment to those facing life-limiting illnesses. Committed to making a positive impact, they bring a wealth of experience, compassion and expertise to the table. Together, they work tirelessly to ensure that every Wish, no matter how big or small, is fulfilled with utmost care and consideration.
It’s important to mention that beyond our dedicated trustees, numerous other individuals generously contribute their time and services to support our cause. From organising fundraising events to providing essential services, these unsung heroes play a vital role in helping us turn dreams into reality.
While the heart of our charity lies in the collective efforts of many, we would like to introduce you to our core team of Charity Trustees, the guiding hands steering the ship towards fulfilling Bucket List Wishes.
Gini Hackett
Gini is our Charity Founder, she feels very fortunate to be a Mum to two sets of grown up Twins and also have a younger Son.
She works as a freelance Hair & Makeup Artist getting her clients ready for every special life occasion. I’m 2013 Gini set up this charity ‘Bucket List Wishes’ in memory of her beloved Mum. She wanted to help other adults who get a terminal diagnosis to have a final wish and create a magical memory to be cherished by their loved ones.
Katie Whelpdale
Katie has been a volunteer for BLW since 2020 and became a Trustee at Bucket List Wishes in September 2023. She is a Virtual Assistant and lives just outside of Reading with her husband and three dogs. After losing her Mum to cancer in 2017, Katie realised just how important this charity is to bring some light, laughter and memories during an incredibly tough time.
She volunteers in memory of her mum and is always telling us how proud she is to be a part of this “amazing charity”.
Tracey Palmer-Hole
Tracey has been a volunteer at Bucket List Wishes since July 2024 and was honoured to be asked to be a trustee in July 2026.
Tracey is passionate about people which shows in her work and volunteering. She is a learning and development manager for a local HR and Training company in Berkshire.
She also volunteers for blood cancer charities, as Tracey is a blood cancer survivor herself. She understands the impact a terminal illness has on family and individuals, and she knows how important it is to grant that bucket list wish!
She volunteers for BLW to give back to people in similar situations.
