Patrons

Seasoned broadcaster and journalist, Alex Brooker, joined as Whizz Kidz patron in January 2014. Alex supports young disabled people become more active and independent through the charity’s young people’s training and work services – and well as its flagship Generation Inspired campaign. Alex said, ‘When I was younger I was lucky because I had the right support around me both at home and at school and I'm passionate about making sure other disabled children have that. I also hope they will take something from my experiences. ‘It's probably my proudest achievement to be known as a role model for disabled people so I'm excited about becoming a patron of Whizz Kidz.’

‘Whizz Kidz does so much to support and encourage young people to be ambitious and achieve anything they set their minds too.’ Former Wimbledon doubles champion Jamie Murray joined as a Whizz Kidz Patron in late November 2013. Jamie will bring his passion for sport and mentoring to the charity – helping Whizz Kidz enable more young disabled people to be active and independent. Jamie says, ‘I am looking forward to raising awareness of the importance of accessible sport and the great work Whizz Kidz does.’

British no.1 female wheelchair tennis star, Jordanne, has brittle bones and needs to use a wheelchair to get around. She was the first British wheelchair tennis player in history to win a calendar year Grand Slam when partnering Yui Kamiji of Japan to win the women’s doubles at all four major tennis championships in 2014. Jordanne said, 'I am honoured to be a Whizz Kidz patron and to be working with the team. I know how important your first wheelchair is and what a start it gives you in life. If someone had not given one to me when I was 12, I would not be where I am now. A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, his trust is not on the branch but on his own wings to fly.'

‘It is an honour to be Patrons of Whizz Kidz, it is an amazing charity and we know from personal experience just how much the work they do helps young disabled people’. Children's BAFTA winners, presenters & radio favourites Sam Nixon & Mark Rhodes, were Whizz Kidz’s first ever patrons. The pair – better known as Sam & Mark – have been working with the charity since 2010. Their championing and fundraising activity includes: performing an exclusive tribute gig in aid of Mark’s late nephew (a beneficiary of Whizz Kidz); attending wheelchair skills training sessions and meeting young ambassadors; hosting a national schools poetry competition in aid of Whizz Kidz; and both running the Virgin London Marathon for the charity.

Musician, singer, composer, author and YouTube vlogger Tom Fletcher initially reached out to Whizz Kidz back in 2016. He was in the process of writing his novel ‘ The Christmasaurus.’ and wanted to ensure the lead character accurately represented the experiences of a young wheelchair user. Recognising the importance of seeing greater representation for disabled children and young people in the media, Tom has continued to work with Whizz Kidz, and cast Archie, one of our Ambassadors, as the lead in The Christmasaurus stage show. Tom is passionate about working towards every disabled child having a childhood full of fun, friendship and opportunity.