Tag: patron

BBC’s Dr Punam Krishan announced as Patron of Scottish breast cancer charity The House of Hope

Resident doctor on BBC’s Morning Live, Dr Punam Krishan, has been announced as the first official patron of the Scottish breast cancer charity, The House of Hope, Scotland’s first dedicated wellbeing and support centre for those impacted by breast cancer.

Dr Punam, who dazzled on Strictly Come Dancing last year, made a special visit to Edinburgh on Thursday 2 October to help officially open The House of Hope during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Glasgow-based GP made a name for herself presenting Laid Bare for BBC Scotland, as well as making regular appearances on BBC’s Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland. 

The charity was founded by Lisa Fleming – who was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017 and given just six months to live at that time – along with husband Euan. The House of Hope will provide a supportive space for people impacted by breast cancer, as well as access to holistic therapies and wellbeing services away from the sterile hospital or clinical setting to compliment medical treatments.


Founder of The House of Hope, Lisa Fleming, said: “It is incredible to have Dr Punam on board – her advocacy for women’s health and patient-first approach to healthcare is exactly what The House of Hope is all about and we can’t wait to officially launch in October with Dr Punam as our patron.

“The NHS does not have the operational resources or funding to provide additional holistic care and support for breast cancer patients in and around Edinburgh. The House of Hope will help to fill this void, providing the much-needed community space and compassionate support we know is so vital for patients and their families.” 

In her role as patron for The House of Hope, Dr Punam will support the charity through the provision of online advice and attending nominated fundraising events aligning with her own dedication to raising awareness of women’s health concerns through her work with the BBC and her own social channels. 

Dr Punam, Patron of The House of Hope, said: “Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is a difficult experience, so having a dedicated place like The House of Hope to come to is such a great resource and an important step in the healing process. I’m proud to be appointed a Patron of such a life-changing charity.”

Dr Punam is also a published author, with her third children’s book released earlier this year (August 2025). The Superhero’s First Aid Manual is a fun and colourful book packed with life-saving knowledge for children, who are often the first people at an emergency. 

The House of Hope charity was inspired by London’s first-ever specialised breast cancer centre, Future Dreams House, which offers support through a range of services for women affected by breast cancer, including counselling, yoga, massage, nutrition advice, and peer support groups.

https://houseofhope.org.uk

His Majesty King Charles III confirmed as patron of breast cancer charity Walk the Walk

Cancer charity Walk the Walk is delighted to announce that His Majesty King Charles III has been confirmed as the charity’s patron.

As the former Prince of Wales, His Majesty first agreed to become Walk the Walk’s patron in 2004. The announcement that the King is to continue his patronage was made to celebrate the first anniversary of his coronation.

His own views on integrated and holistic cancer care, ethical and environmental issues and the belief that everyone has their own potential for good health and well-being, are well known and fully align with the charity. Since His Majesty became a supporter of Walk the Walk, he has fully endorsed its ethos and values.

Walk the Walk Founder and Chief Executive Nina Barough said: “I am thrilled that His Majesty King Charles III has agreed to continue as Walk the Walk’s patron – it is absolutely wonderful to have his royal seal of approval!

“Back in 2004, the King’s views on holistic and integrated cancer care were still not mainstream but were very much in line with our own.

“His opinions gave incredibly high profile backing to what Walk the Walk was attempting to achieve at the time – we continue to be very grateful for his support, which has helped our charity make such a difference to so many people over the years”.   

Walk the Walk is also passionate about encouraging women and men to become fitter and healthier and to take control of their own well-being.  

The charity is best-known as the organiser of its flagship events the iconic MoonWalk fundraising events in London, Scotland and Iceland, which see thousands of women and men take on a midnight marathon wearing the charities statement decorated bras, to raise awareness and money for the prevention, research and the emotional and physical care of those living with cancer. 

Eric Liddell 100 campaign launched

Inaugural lecture by the University of Edinburgh’s Chair of Sport to rally support from charity peers and Scotland’s business scene

On Tuesday 7th November 2023, a momentous event took place at the Fingal Hotel in Leith. Esteemed members of society came together to demonstrate their support for The Eric Liddell Community’s ambitious legacy campaign: “The Eric Liddell 100.”

Hosted by The Eric Liddell Community, in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, this event marked a milestone in the exciting journey to commemorate the centenary of Eric Liddell’s historic triumph at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris while ensuring his inspirational legacy endures for generations to come.

Supported by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Patron of The Eric Liddell 100, the programme of events and activities will recognise and celebrate the life, sporting, and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s most iconic sporting figures, Eric Liddell.

John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community who is leading this legacy initiative said: “With the 2024 Olympic Games returning to Paris exactly 100 years since Eric Liddell’s amazing success at the 1924 Games, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to commemorate, remember, and celebrate ‘The Flying Scotsman’.

“The Eric Liddell 100 campaign, along with its programme of events and activities will recognise and celebrate Eric – one of Scotland’s and the UK’s most iconic sporting figures – and embed his story for young people today, future generations, and communities across the world.   

“’The Eric Liddell 100’ campaign will not only commemorate his historic achievement but also serve as a reminder of his unwavering dedication to his values and his people. We are not only thrilled but deeply honoured to have the support of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and Professor Dr Grant Jarvie.

“It also wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners and supporters, many of whom were in the room with us at the event. We cannot thank them enough for their drive to help us secure the legacy of Eric Liddell.”

Reflecting on the event, Professor Dr Grant Jarvie, Chair of Sport and Founding Director of the Academy of Sport at the University of Edinburgh said: “It’s an honour to be asked to deliver the Inaugural Eric Liddell Lecture. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, it will be 100 years since the athlete won gold and bronze and refused to run on a Sunday.

“Yet what Eric Liddell offers us is an example of what is possible. Eric Henry Liddell’s humanity and values are as good a foundation as any for striving to make the world a better place. Eric Liddell – a legacy, an inspiration a legend who chose to make a difference, did referee sports matches on a Sunday, did inspire the building of sports facilities in China and whose life could and should inspire future generations”.  

The Eric Liddell 100 campaign will encompass a series of events, educational initiatives, and community outreach programmes throughout 2024 and beyond, to mark the centenary of Eric Liddell’s historic victory at the 1924 Olympic Games.

For more information and to get involved, please visit https://ericliddell.org/the-eric-liddell-100/.

PICTURES: Mike Wilkinson

Actor Mark Bonnar becomes patron of Heart Research UK

Scottish actor Mark Bonnar, star of Guilt, Line of Duty and Shetland, is to become a patron of national charity Heart Research UK.

Mark first became involved with the charity in 2018, producing a piece of original artwork that was auctioned as part of the charity’s anonymous heART project.

Since then, he has been involved with various campaigns, including Heart Research UK’s Heart of Scotland appeal, a dedicated fundraising campaign to raise money to take on Scotland’s biggest killer –heart disease.

Mark Bonnar said: “The work that Heart Research UK does is incredibly close to my heart. My father had a triple bypass over 20 years ago, and thankfully he is still going strong.

“The advances in research and surgery over the last few decades have been truly remarkable, thanks in no small part to the vital work that charities such as Heart Research UK are doing.

“I’m especially proud to support the Heart of Scotland appeal to inform and educate all age groups and help make a change to people’s lives.

Heart disease is still the number one cause of death in Scotland when, ironically, it’s often the most easily preventable.”

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: We are all over the moon that Mark is becoming a patron for Heart Research UK.

“Since he first became involved with the charity, he has been eager to help in any way he can, and we are delighted to begin what I’m sure will be an incredibly rewarding partnership.

“We know research works, but the seven million people living with cardiovascular disease in the UK need it to work faster. We are dedicated to funding the latest pioneering research in to the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

“We have some incredibly exciting projects coming up, and we can’t wait to work with Mark on them!”

Heart Research UK was founded in 1967 by Mr David Watson, an eminent cardiovascular surgeon, with the intention of making heart surgery safer. Since then, Heart Research UK has invested over £25m in pioneering research in to the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

Ann Budge is new patron of Care & Repair Edinburgh

Hearts owner and Chief Executive, Ann Budge, has been unveiled as patron to local charity Care and Repair Edinburgh which provides a vital lifeline service to older and disabled people across the city. Continue reading Ann Budge is new patron of Care & Repair Edinburgh