"From the moment I arrived at Rose Road, I was reminded of the all the wonderful staff, their commitment and dedication. They clearly focus their young people on what is possible, not dwell on what is not, and that's the philosophy I live my life by."
Geoff Holt, Appeal Patron
Paul Murray
"Having served as Chairman of the Southampton and Winchester Fundraising Group for a number of years in the 1990s, I have always retained a real empathy for the Rose Road Association with a high regard for the staff, much respect for the parents but most of all a desire to continue to try and help those children and young people who have profound and multiple disabilities through no fault of their own. It is this desire that led me to agree to be a Patron of the Rose Road Children's Appeal."
Geoff Holt
"I first heard of The Rose Road Association more than ten years ago and was so inspired by their enthusiasm that I persuaded my company bosses to make them our charity of the year. More than a decade later, when I got back from my sailing trip around Great Britain, I was flattered to be asked to give a talk to the Association at their wonderful new Bradbury Centre. From the moment I arrived at Rose Road, I was reminded of the all the wonderful staff, their commitment and dedication. They clearly focus their young people on what is possible, not dwell on what is not, and that's the philosophy I live my life by. They are doing a great job but like all worthy causes, they need funding to continue that work and if having me as a Patron helps the Children's Appeal then I'm delighted to be involved!"
You can find out more about Geoff on his websites, GeoffHolt.com and PersonalAtlantic.com
Siobhan Pyburn - Lesley Pearse Woman of Courage 2010
"As a campaigner against child abuse, I was surprised to be 'cherry picked' as a Patron of Rose Road at first. I later came to see the parallels between the challenges faced by the children at Rose Road and those that are, or have been, faced by myself and others. The common ground is that both Rose Road and myself aim to help children overcome adversity that might otherwise affect their ability to live fulfilling lives. For this reason I am delighted to be involved and lend my support wherever possible. Nothing is more important than the protection and support of children, particularly those who are vulnerable or whose experience of life may be hindered by circumstances that are out of their control."
Kerry Swain
"I have been a journalist since the age of 18 when I left school and joined my local paper and am now a reporter and news reader for ITV Meridian. I live in Southampton with my five children and nothing is more important than our young people. That is why I'm delighted to support the Rose Road Association based in the city and the new Children's Appeal as Patron."
Richard and Jane Smith
Richard has recently retired as Senior Partner of Paris Smith, a 200 strong Southampton law firm that was established in the city 190 years ago. The firm encourages its staff to get involved in charitable activities and most of the partners are trustees of a wide variety of local charities. This year Paris Smith & Randall chose Rose Road as one of its two charities of the year towards which all its charitable giving is directed. Richard first became involved with Rose Road in the 1990s when the Appeal to raise the £4.5m for the Bradbury Centre began and he has remained in touch ever since and is delighted to be a Patron of our current Children's Appeal.
Jane qualified as a Physical Education teacher and taught at St Anne's School in Southampton until her children arrived. Jane has been involved with Rose Road for some 10 years having become a volunteer for the fundraising department during the early days of the Bradbury Centre Appeal. She has retained her links through volunteering for the Association and is honoured to be asked to be a Patron of the new Children's Appeal.
Roger Johnson
"I am honoured and delighted to be a Patron of the Rose Road Children's Appeal. Having been covered in 'gunge' at the 2008 Fun Day, it seems a far safer way of lending my support to the centre's excellent work! However much you are able to give to help the Appeal, it will all go towards achieving our target. It doesn't cost a lot to make a difference - and anything which you can do to help us to help others is very gratefully received."
