Our Patrons
Tree of Hope are proudly supported by three patrons, who continue to support the work that we do, attend our events and share our mission. From the sporting world to television work, we'd love to introduce you to Ross, Claire and Jane!
Ross Wilson
Ross Wilson, a member of the GB Paralympic Table Tennis Performance Squad and two-time Paralympic medallist, joined the Tree of Hope team in early 2017. Ross was a National U12 and U14 doubles champion before being diagnosed with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. Determined that this wasn’t going to hold him back, he joined the GB team in 2011 going on to win team bronze in London 2012 at the age of 17. This was the start of Ross’ success and has since gone onto win 10 medals for team GB across a host of different champions, including the Paralympic Games 3 times.
“I have been following the work of Tree of Hope for some time and wanted to get involved. I am excited to become a patron and want to put the experiences I have had to good use, by helping other young people who are suffering from illness and disability to achieve their dreams. I was helped along the way, and I now want to give that back to other children in whatever way I can.”
Claire Cashmore
Claire began her professional career as Paralympian Swimmer and has since become a triathlete. She entered the world stage at only 16 years old, qualifying for Athens and coming home with 2 bronze medals. She received a bronze medal at the games in Beijing in 2008, and a further 2 silvers and a bronze in London 2012. Rio 2016 was Claire’s most successful Olympic Games, winning both a silver and a gold medal.
Claire was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours for her services to swimming.
“It is a huge honour to have been asked to be a patron of the Tree of Hope charity. I have been very lucky that my disability has not stopped me from living life to the full and I am really passionate about helping those with a disability or illness that can’t get the support they need to live a life without boundaries.”
Jane Beedle
Jane Beedle was runner up and Christmas winner of the Great British Bake Off in 2016. Jane has been a loyal supporter of Tree of Hope ever since. Jane has helped us launch fundraising campaigns, has run auctions at some of our events and was a huge support in the pandemic, running online baking fundraising classes for supporters in the UK and for her fans around the globe.
“The work Tree of Hope does is so important in helping families get the help that they need for their children. The NHS can only provide so much, and Tree of Hope are a wonderful group of people helping to provide a solution to such a critical issue in society.”
