We are beams welcome two new Patrons

by | Jan 17, 2023 | Dartford Charities, Local Comment

We Are Beams welcome two nePatrons providing a double boost for local disabled children’s charity!

Beams are delighted to announce that British Paralympian and wheelchair racer JohnBoySmith and Actor and Television Presenter David Ribi have become the new Patrons for the charity.

Both will be great assets to the charity having real life experience of both disability and Special Education Needs and their enthusiasm and energy will not only help to raise awareness but also drive forward the future plans for the charity.

JohnBoy was just 16 when he was shot in the spine in a tragic case of mistaken identity which resulted in paralysis. He has shown great courage in the face of adversity and proved that anything is possible taking up wheelchair racing and winning Gold and Silver medals in the Commonwealth Games and representing Team GB in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

JohnBoy is a fantastic role model for the disabled children and young people at Beams and says of his involvement;

“Beams is an absolutely fantastic charity and I am honoured to join as a Patron and really looking forward to using my knowledge and experience of disability to support the charity and the children and young people that access the vital services

David Ribi is best known for presenting the UK’s number 1 kids TV Show Milkshake but also has featured in many West End Theatre Shows and is a keen singer and songwriter.

David is very excited to be involved and says;

It is a great privilege to have been asked to join Beams as a Patron, from my initial discussions to visiting the Dragon’s Retreat respite unit, I was so impressed by the enthusiasm from the staff that I couldn’t think of a better charity to be involved with! I have a background in performance accessibility and a passion for helping children with Special Educational and Disability Needs to enjoy the arts, so I am really keen to do anything I can to support We Are Beams

Both JohnBoy and David will be involved in Beamsupcoming events and lend their support to the charity’s fundraising campaigns and appeals this year.

We Are Beams is based in Hextable and has been providing care and support to disabled children, young people and their families for over 26 years with a menu of services to support the whole family.

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The disabled children and young people who access We Are Beams services will typically have one or multiple learning difficulties, complex health needs, physical or sensory impairment, challenging behaviour, Autism or severe ADHD.

We Are Beams need to raise £2 million a year in order to provide care to over 450 families with disabled and young people in Kent and Medway.

For more information about We Are Beams please visit  www.wearebeams.org.uk

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