Our Ambassadors

Vincent Simone

Professional Dancer

In the past year, Strictly Come Dancing legend has drawn on his professional expertise to host numerous accessible, virtual ‘Strictly Special’ dance classes for people who access care and support, through the charity’s award-winning inclusive activities website, www.What-To-Do.co.uk. The professional dancer shares advice, inspiration, and encouragement that creates a fun environment for people to get involved, making dreams come true for hundreds of dance fans from across the UK.

Featuring on Strictly Come Dancing from 2006 until 2012 and finishing second with pop star Rachel Stevens in the sixth series, Vincent spoke about the joy he feels at becoming an ambassador.

“Working with Community Integrated Care has been a really special experience for me, and I’m delighted to now become an ambassador of the charity. It’s simply a joy to see all those people supported by the charity loving life and exploring dance as a form of expression.

Ilkay Gundogan

Manchester City FC Player

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.

Jodie Cunningham

Women's Rugby League Player

Jodie Cunningham plays as a full-back for St Helens in the Women's Super League and nationally for England, she's an ambassador for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England and a Super League pundit on Sky.

Jodie has worked closely with Community Integrated Care on projects including groundbreaking schools programme ‘We’re On The Same Team’, and the Rugby League World Cup inclusive volunteering advisory panel, which will help to shape how this year’s tournament will be delivered.

Later this year the St Helens captain will be a key figure in England’s attempts to win the Rugby League World Cup on home soil, and she has seen first hand how the sport’s partnership with Community Integrated Care can have a major impact on people’s lives.

Ross Fiddes

Television Presenter

Ross, who plays a key role in Premier Sports’ coverage of rugby league and has worked for the BBC and Channel 4, has been actively involved in Community Integrated Care’s inclusive volunteering media club, offering advice to members about working in the industry.

He has also helped to take the story of Community Integrated Care to a wider audience through his own media presence, particularly through the Learning Disability Super League, which was recently showcased at Magic Weekend at St James’ Park, Newcastle.

Ashton Smith

Pro-Wrestler

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

Sky Sports Presenter

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

Professional Rugby League Stars

Faye Gaskin

Women's Rugby League Player

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

Professional Rugby League Star

Wigan Warriors Professional Rugby League Star

Jamie Jones-Buchanan

Professional Rugby League Star

Peter Mata’utia

Professional Rugby League Star

Warrington Wolves and Samoa National Team Professional Rugby League star.

Terry O’Connor

Sky Sports Presenter

Sky Sports Presenter and Rugby League Commentator

Danny Walker

Professional Rugby League Star

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.