Dr Hannah Barham-Brown (affectionately known as Dr Pops) was studying at medical school when she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in 2015. She now uses a wheelchair and a cane to help her move around, and has become a well-known disability advocate. Most recently, she was named on the 2018 Disability Power 100 List by the Shaw Trust.
As an Ambassador for AFK, Dr Pops has completed a number of fundraising events including the Superhero Triathlon.
Tessa Peake-Jones is an actress best known for playing Raquel in the popular comedy series Only Fools and Horses. She also appears as Mrs Maguire in Grantchester for ITV, and has been in many theatre productions, the latest being The Winslow Boy on tour. Tessa has been associated with AFK for over 25 years.
“I think what AFK offers young people in terms of practical and emotional support is absolutely amazing! I’m very proud to be connected to such a worthwhile organisation and I look forward to many years of hearing their news and watching their development.”
Gaz Choudhry had his right leg amputated when he was just 10 years old; two years later, he was introduced to wheelchair basketball and he immediately fell in love with the speed and sense of freedom given by the sport. Gaz has been an integral part of the GB Men’s Squad since his debut for the team at the 2009 BT Paralympic World Cup. Gaz made his debut for ParalympicsGB at the London 2012 Games and, in 2015, assisted the GB Men to qualification for Rio 2016 Paralympics and a third consecutive European title (2011, 2013). He was part of the men’s team which brought home the Bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, the silver medal at the 2017 European Championships and gold at the 2018 World Championships in Hamburg.
Paul and Michael Atwal-Brice became a couple in 2002. Paul, who comes from an entertainment and performing background, had to take a step back from show business in 2008 when Levi and Lucas came into their lives – and their lives changed forever when the twins were diagnosed with severe autism and epilepsy. AFK has provided mobility equipment and support to the family, including specialist tandem bikes and high-specification car seats, which enable Levi and Lucas to access the wider community and gain more independence while getting fresh air and exercise. Paul and Michael have become passionate disability campaigners, fighting for better inclusion for disabled people in national press and TV. In 2019 Paul was recognised for his dedicated contribution to his community and given a prestigious British Citizen Award (BCAc).
Marcel Fearon is a former trainee at AFK. He joined AFK’s Employability and Skills Programme in 2014 and completed several successful work placements before securing a paid position at leading global design and consultancy firm Arcadis. In the time we have known him, Marcel has grown in confidence and developed skills that helped him gain work and greater independence. He is now an enthusiastic speaker at AFK’s events, including a 2018 reception at the House of Lords, where Marcel shared the stage with Lord Shinkwin, our then CEO, the Chair of our Board of Trustees, and fellow AFK Ambassador and national disability advocate Dr Hannah Barham-Brown. Marcel is a shining example of AFK’s positive impact in the lives of those we work with and we are proud to count him among our Ambassadors.
