Celebrity Ambassadors
WellChild is truly privileged to have a diverse and talented group of Ambassadors who contribute in many ways. They help to raise our profile, introduce us to new supporters and increase awareness of WellChild and the challenges that sick children and their families face on a daily basis.
Although WellChild has been helping kids for over 30 years, some people are still unaware of the scope of work we do. We find it inspirational that our Patron, Ambassadors and supporters are prepared to use their fame to help spread the word about WellChild to benefit the children who so desperately need our help. Children across the UK continue to benefit from their time and generosity.
Meet our fabulous Ambassadors
DUNCAN BANNATYNE
We were thrilled when Duncan very kindly agreed to become a Business Ambassador for WellChild in 2008. Ever since, Duncan has been a fabulous supporter of WellChild and like all our Ambassadors has freely given his time to attend our WellChild Awards for the last three years as well as single-handedly funding our WellChild Nurse, Melanie, in Barrow in Furness, Cumbria.
Most people know Duncan as a panellist on BBC Television's Dragons' Den. His strong opinions and sharp comments to the programme's would-be entrepreneurs have made him one of the most popular Dragons in the Den. Outside of his TV appearances, Duncan is one of the UK's most successful 'serial' entrepreneurs, who has created a portfolio of respected leisure businesses and in addition owns a number of hotels, a bar and, most recently, launched a company building high quality residential property.
Please see www.bannatyne.co.uk for further information.
EMILY MAITLIS
Why I love WellChild!
Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis is a keen supporter of WellChild for many years and has recently become a WellChild Ambassador. Here she tells us why the charity is so close to her heart.
As an experienced news journalist BBC presenter Emily Maitlis is very used to reporting on stories about the tough side of life and on tales of heroism. But hearing the stories of the courageous children who WellChild supports brought a tear to Emily’s eye.
Read our interview with Emily here.
SCOUTING FOR GIRLS (SFG)
We were over the moon when Scouting for Girls accepted our invitation to attend our 2009 WellChild Awards, so you can imagine how happy we all were when they agreed to become Ambassadors!
More information about SFG and their news can be found at Scouting For Girls
BENEDICT ALLEN 
One of Britain's leading adventurers, Benedict Allen, particularly known for his television programmes - occasionallymade with the help of a film crew but more typically without has recently announced his support for WellChild bybecoming a WellChild Ambassador - we are truly delighted. Welcome on board Benedict!
Uniquely in television, Benedict’s philosophy is to genuinely immerse himself in extreme or alien environments, going alone and learning from indigenous people. As The Sunday Times put it: “Filming whatever actually happens, without all the hidden paraphernalia of a film crew, and whether in danger or lonely or undergoing various exotic rituals, he has effectively taken the viewers’ experience of adventure as far as it can go.”
Benedict's involvement with WellChild follows his appearance at the 2009 WellChild Awards. Additional information about Benedict's adventures can be found at Benedict Allen British Explorer Author Filmmaker and Public Speaker
IAN WAITE
In 2007, Ian became one of our founding Ambassadors, and ever since has always been more than generous in giving up his time to attend our WellChild Awards which honour the bravery and courage of the UK’s sick children and the carers who look after them.
Ian is probably most recognised for his role as one of the professional dancers on The BBC's hit show Strictly Come Dancing. Having appeared in six out of the seven series aired, he has built up a following of dedicated fans and has become a highly respected and recognisable figure and personality in the world of dance.
We are very proud that Ian is one of our long-standing celebrity Ambassadors!!
If you would like to read more abourt Ian's career, please visit Ian Waite
LAURA HAMILTON
Like Ian, Laura also came on board as a founding Ambassador following her appearance at our 2007 WellChild Awards and ever since we have been privileged that she willingly gives up her time to not only attend our WellChild Awards year after year but she also graciously became the face of our Woof campaign (toys sold in New Look) as well as offering to get involved with our Helping Hands project.
Our thanks go to Laura for coming along to the grand opening of David Lloyd Kids - one of our charity partners - at Raynes Park in March 2010. Laura joined staff from David Lloyd Leisure and one on our WellChild Awards winners, Kelsey, and his family for a fabulous day. Laura also hosted the England vs Algeria World Cup screening event for us.
Laura is best known as the female face of children’s TV channel Nickelodeon as well as Nick Junior and the Cartoon Network.
Further information about Laura can be found at Laura Hamilton
BEN RICHARDS
Ben graciously accepted to become a WellChild Ambassador in September 2009 having presented an award with his colleague Gary Lucy at our WellChild Awards.
Ben is currently appearing as PC Nate Roberts in the popular ITV police drama 'The Bill'. He previously played Justin in BBC Medical drama Holby City and Bruno Milligan in Footballers Wives. Ben also featured as a regular judge on the the BBC show Strictly Dance Fever.
Ben has had an extensive career in musical theatre with a range of leading roles in London's West End and on tour including starring opposite Don Johnson in Guys and Dolls, playing Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever at the London Palladium and the leading role of Jerry Lukowski in the London Cast of the hit musical The Full Monty.
We look forward to working with Ben.
You can read more about Ben at Welcome to benrichards.com
MARK FOSTER
Like many of our Ambassadors, Mark was inspired to become involved in WellChild after attending our Awards. Sadly, due to prior commitments and his appearance at the 2008 Olympics, the four time Olympian was unable to join us for our last two WellChild Awards ceremonies.
To read all about Mark's amazing career visit Mark Foster
We hope to see you soon Mark!
KARREN BRADY
For many a year, Karren was known as the first woman in football for her role as Managing Director of Birmingham
City Football Club and turning the Club’s fortunes around. However, more recently Karren
took over from Margaret Mountford as an adviser to Lord Sugar on the BBC TV show The Apprentice - even racing across London following a gruesome day of filming to attend our 2009 WellChild Awards at the InterContinental, Park Lane.
Karren has been involved with WellChild as an Ambassador for many years.
For a more detailed account of Karren's ventures please visit her webiste Karren Brady
JODIE SWALLOW
Jodie has courteously agreed to wear the WellChild logo on her race-kit during 2009 having become a WellChild Ambassador in 2008.
In the triathlon world Jodie is well known for some of her outstanding achievements including: her three London Triathlon victories, several top five World Cup finishes, two junior European Championship gold medals and three National Triathlon Championship titles.
Unfortunately, due to Jodie's demanding international racing schedule, she has been unable to be hands on for us this year but we know that she is still a great supporter of WellChild.
More information about Jodie can be seen at I follow the Swallow
