Our Ambassadors

Ilkay Gundogan

Charity Ambassador

During the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ilkay Gundogan was inspired to celebrate his birthday by giving back to his local community, in the city he calls his second home. Caring deeply about supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and dementia, Ilkay visited a number of our charity’s care services, to meet with people supported by the charity, many of whom were Man City supporters. Unable to meet them physically in-person, he took the time to speak with people through windows at a safe distance, and on the phone, offering his support and lifting people up who had experienced challenging times.

Since then, his relationship with our charity has flourished, as he continues to make dreams come true. From hosting a virtual meet and greet for fans across the charity, to inviting 30 people supported and colleagues for a VIP experience at a Manchester City Premier League game – Ilkay understands the impact his dedicated support can have. Committed to helping to make a difference, this speaks volumes about his character and passion for making a difference.

Ashton Smith

Charity Ambassador

A pro-wrestler, who hails from Manchester, Ashton connected with our charity after hearing about our WWE super fans via social media. The star kindly offered his support, hosting a virtual meet and greet for ten of our charity’s biggest wrestling enthusiasts. Inspired by the positive impact this had on so many people supported by our charity, Ashton couldn’t wait to do more. Working with our Sports Inclusion expert Oliver Thomason (Ashton’s number 1 fan), they co-created and delivered an engaging and accessible online fitness session for people we support, inspired by famous WWE catchphrases and moments.

Brian Carney

Learning Disability Super League Ambassador

Former Irish professional Rugby League star and Sky Sports Presenter Brian Carney has advocated for the work of our charity and difference we continue to make to rugby league for years. Since the launch of the ground-breaking Learning Disability Super League back in 2018, Brian has supported our charity’s efforts on rugby leagues biggest stages, helping fans around the world to understand the importance of inclusion and the role our charity plays. Through our official social care partnership with the Rugby League World Cup 2021, Brian was inspired to support and help develop people in our Media Club – a group of inclusive volunteers passionate about broadcasting, television, and all things rugby league! Just hours before he was due to appear on Sky Sports, Brian skyped volunteers live from Warrington Wolves’ Halliwell Jones Stadium, giving the group a virtual tour behind the scenes and knowledge about what goes into the production of a live game.

Teddy & James Chapelhow

Learning Disability Super League Ambassadors

Newcastle Thunder Professional Rugby League Stars

Faye Gaskin

Learning Disability Super League Ambassador

For many years, Faye has not only backed the work of our charity in the sport of rugby league, she has a made a significant commitment to supporting our cause. As ambassador of the Learning Disability Super League, and coach of St Helen’s team, Faye is leading on and off the pitch advocating for inclusion in Rugby League. Faye understands the adversity people with learning disabilities can face and barriers to participation in sport. She has recalled that in many ways, this is similar to her personal experiences growing up, as a woman in what was often labelled ‘man’s game.’ After competing on a global stage, Faye is ready to help our charity reach international recognition for the role we play in rugby league.

William Isa

Learning Disability Super League Ambassador

Wigan Warriors Professional Rugby League Star

Jamie Jones-Buchanan

Learning Disability Super League Ambassador

Peter Mata’utia

Learning Disability Super League Ambassador

Warrington Wolves and Samoa National Team Professional Rugby League star.

Terry O’Connor

Learning Disability Super League Ambassador

Sky Sports Presenter and Rugby League Commentator

Danny Walker

Learning Disability Super League Ambassador

One of Super League’s shining stars, Warrington Wolves’ Danny Walker finds time between scoring try’s for ‘The Wire’ to support our charity across numerous community projects and initiatives. As ambassador of the world-first social inclusion programme since its inception (Learning Disability Super League), he has helped to create many life-changing experiences for people supported by our charity. Whether it’s meeting people we support through virtual, and in-person meet and greets, to cutting his own hair to raise awareness for our charity’s #CareWithHair national fundraising campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic – Danny is truly passionate about making a difference.