Meet our Ambassadors

Dr Hannah Barham-Brown (Dr Pops)

my AFK Ambassador Dr Hannah Barham-Brown

Dr Hannah Barham-Brown (affectionately known as Dr Pops) was studying at medical school when she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in 2015. She now uses a wheelchair and a cane to help her move around, and has become a well-known disability advocate. Most recently, she was named on the 2018 Disability Power 100 List by the Shaw Trust.

 

As an Ambassador for AFK, Dr Pops has completed a number of fundraising events including the Superhero Triathlon. She also speaks at lots of our events and represents AFK at other events.

Tessa Peake-Jones

my AFK Ambassador Tessa Peake-Jones

Tessa Peake-Jones is an actress best known for playing Raquel in the popular comedy series Only Fools and Horses. She also appears as Mrs Maguire in Grantchester for ITV, and has been in many theatre productions, the latest being The Winslow Boy on tour. Tessa has been associated with AFK for over 20 years and really enjoys popping in to see everyone occasionally and hearing the latest news.

 

“I think what AFK offers young people in terms of practical and emotional support is absolutely amazing! I’m very proud to be connected to such a worthwhile organisation and I look forward to many years of hearing their news and watching their development.”

Kat Pemberton

a black and white image of Kat smiling at camera

Kat Pemberton is a 22-year-old disability activist, model & vlogger from Yorkshire. She enjoys expressing her creativity through disability awareness, sharing personal experiences through social media. She has an interest in modern media and has already developed an online presence through work experience within the media industry. Kat was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type two after her first birthday and has had NHS wheelchairs since she can remember. Unfortunately these chairs never fully met her needs and as her condition developed, she eventually needed a chair which would not only meet all her medical needs but help her get back her social life!

 

“When looking for the right chair, I soon realised that they came with quite a large price tag. It was impossible for me to have funded for the chair myself and therefore I am forever grateful to AFK for helping to fund for the chair of my dreams!”

Gaz Choudhry

my AFK Ambassador Gaz Choudry

Gaz Choudhry had his right leg amputated when he was just 10 years old; two years later, he was introduced to wheelchair basketball and he immediately fell in love with the speed and sense of freedom given by the sport. Gaz has been an integral part of the GB Men’s Squad since his debut for the team at the 2009 BT Paralympic World Cup. Gaz made his debut for ParalympicsGB at the London 2012 Games and, in 2015, assisted the GB Men to qualification for Rio 2016 Paralympics and a third consecutive European title (2011, 2013). He was part of the men’s team which brought home the Bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, the silver medal at the 2017 European Championships and gold at the 2018 World Championships in Hamburg.

Ash Archer

Black and white headshot of AFK Ambassador Ash Archer

Ash Archer is a highly motivated, hugely determined and very positive individual. He has competed alongside some of the top athletes in the world, during his career as a professional wheelchair racer and member of the GB talent squad. He previously played wheelchair basketball with the London Titans. He is passionate about helping other disabled people, whether it be to explore the physical abilities they may have or to help them come to terms with their personal situation by sharing his own experiences. His aim is to inspire others and has filmed with BBC news and filmed a short story discussing his own personal struggles as a disabled person.

Curently he works with RGK wheelchairs as a mobility advisor for the South of England but is based in London.

The Atwal-Brice family

Family of four in my AFK tshirts

Paul and Michael Atwal-Brice became a couple in 2002. Paul, who comes from an entertainment and performing background, had to take a step back from show business in 2008 when Levi and Lucas came into their lives – and their lives changed forever when the twins were diagnosed with severe autism and epilepsy. AFK has provided mobility equipment and support to the family, including specialist tandem bikes and high-specification car seats, which enable Levi and Lucas to access the wider community and gain more independence while getting fresh air and exercise. Paul and Michael have become passionate disability campaigners, fighting for better inclusion for disabled people in national press and TV. In 2019 Paul was recognised for his dedicated contribution to his community and given a prestigious British Citizen Award (BCAc).

Marcel Fearon

my AFK Ambassador Marcel Fearon

Marcel Fearon is a former trainee at AFK. He joined AFK’s Life and Work Programme in 2014 and completed several successful work placements before securing a paid position at leading global design and consultancy firm Arcadis. In the time we have known him, Marcel has grown in confidence and developed skills that helped him gain work and greater independence. He is now an enthusiastic speaker at AFK’s events, including a 2018 reception at the House of Lords, where Marcel shared the stage with Lord Shinkwin, our CEO Graham, the Chair of our Board of Trustees, and fellow AFK Ambassador and national disability advocate Dr Hannah Barham-Brown. Marcel is a shining example of AFK’s positive impact in the lives of those we work with and we are proud to count him among our Ambassadors.

Jamie Green

Jamie Green is a my AFK Ambassador

Jamie Green is from North Yorkshire and has cerebral palsy. He is currently a PhD student in Modern Languages at Oxford University, researching the development of identity in South Tyrol, a trilingual province in northern Italy.

 

His PhD research requires a lot of travel, and AFK were able to provide Jamie with a wheelchair that allows him to travel a lot more easily: “it’s the perfect, stylish, hybrid wheelchair I’ve always dreamed of having, and will help me lead an even more independent and confident life.”

 

Jamie is documenting life as a postgrad student on his blog, and he also writes guest blogs for AFK.

Kat Panagaki

my AFK Ambassador Kat Panagaki

Kat Panagaki applied to AFK’s mobility equipment scheme for a lightweight wheelchair after she was in a car accident at the age of 21 which left her paralysed. Her determination and spirit have served her well as she has grown stronger with the help of physiotherapy and the right equipment.

 

Kat is now a frequent speaker at AFK’s events, including our 2018 reception at the House of Lords, where she shared the stage with Lord Shinkwin, our CEO Graham, the Chair of our Board of Trustees, and fellow AFK Ambassador/Roll Model and national disability advocate Dr Hannah Barham-Brown.

Olaoluwa (Jimmy) Asuni

my AFK Ambassador Jimmy Asuni

Jimmy Asuni is a project assistant with Lloyds Banking Group and motivational speaker. He was born with cerebral palsy in Nigeria, but he knew from a young age that he wanted to be a banker.

 

“I am a highly motivated individual with a strong aptitude for people management. An excellent verbal communicator with high developed interpersonal skills. I have demonstrated a high degree of initiative in his personal and professional development he also enjoys the challenges of a demanding and changeable role.

 

“When I met a group of young adults from AFK I saw a huge potential in them all so I decided to show them that in spite of any disability they can achieve their dreams.”

 

Read about Jimmy’s visit to AFK.

 

Watch a video of Jimmy’s story in his own words below:

Nathanial Hawley

Nathaniel Hawley is a Neurodiversity champion and advocates for people with learning differences such as dyslexia and Autism. Pride of Britain award nominee and recognized by HRH, The Prince of Wales for heroism, international fundraising and public speaking for the rights of people with disabilities.

He founded a Social entrepreneur called Divergent Thinking, Head of Community at Exceptional Individuals as well as the Trustee of Dyspraxic Me.

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