Our patrons
Sophie Howe
Neil Hopper
Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales:
We are delighted to announce that our first Patron is Sophie Howe. Sophie is the world’s only future generations commissioner, a new kind of government official tasked with advocating for the interests of generations to come and holding public institutions accountable for delivering long-term change. Her mission is in promoting well-being as a national goal for Wales, protecting the interests of children yet to be born.
“When you are at your most vulnerable, having access to some small items and some helpful activities can make a world of difference to your own self-esteem, help rebuild confidence, speed up recovery and keep you connected to the outside world and support your dignity. The possibilities this programme can offer will provide support to those when they need it most.”
Sophie Howe launches the charity
Neil Hopper, Vascular Surgeon:
Swansea-born Neil Hopper is 44 years old, and a Vascular Surgeon. He lives with his wife and two children in Cornwall, UK.
We are really pleased also that Neil Hopper join Daring to Dream as a patron! Swansea-born Neil is 44 years old, and a Vascular Surgeon. He lives with his wife and two children in Cornwall, UK.
In April 2019 he became unwell with sepsis and then in May 2019 he underwent bilateral below-knee amputations. Neil has battled to get back “on his feet” and get back to work. And he has done that! Throughout, his journey he has encountered, and continues to encounter, numerous difficulties:
“What I have learnt from this, losing my legs was horrendous, but it was not the worst of it. The change in my personal circumstance, my place in society suddenly changed, my interaction with other people changed, the thought of getting my head around being disabled…. All of this was the stuff I found more difficult to deal with than having to deal with than the physical change of having plastic legs instead of proper legs. It has been a real journey……”
Listen to the full conversation:
We are delighted to have Neil’s support for Daring to Dream – thank you!
