Our Patrons and Ambassadors

Tom Newton Dunn

Tom Newton Dunn is a broadcaster and political commentator. He began his career as an award-winning defence correspondent, covering the Afghanistan and Iraq wars for 10 years. As The Sun's defence editor in 2007, he ran the paper's campaign to drum up nationwide support for Help for Heroes on its launch - including securing the backing of Prince William on day one, a No. 1 single by that year's 'X Factor' contestants, and players from every Premier League team wearing the charity's wristband in matches over the Remembrance weekend.

He was sent to Westminster in 2009 to be The Sun’s Political Editor for 11 years, leading coverage of four general election campaigns and the Brexit referendum, but has always kept up his close links with the Charity and lobbying for it, including taking part in five Big Battlefield Bike Rides.

Tom moved to broadcast in 2020, helping to launch Times Radio and presenting its flagship Sunday morning political programme; before then, presenting a weekday evening news programme on TalkTV. He is now back at The Times, presenting its podcast 'The General and The Journalist' with former CGS General Sir Patrick Sanders, and writing a weekly geo-politics newsletter for the paper, 'War and Peace'. He has ghost-written two military biographies and is the author of the 2024 'Letters from Everest'.

Ross Kemp

Ross Kemp is a highly respected actor, presenter, author and BAFTA-winning documentary maker.  

Since 2006, he has received international recognition for his investigative documentaries, specialising in gang culture and has also been on the front line with British Troops in Afghanistan on several occasions.   

Ross became a Patron of Help for Heroes in 2008, and has actively supported the charity's mission to empower veterans and their families. He regularly engages with beneficiaries to understand their challenges and bring national attention to their inspiring stories of recovery and triumph.    

He has also played a key role in supporting multiple fundraising campaigns, expertly modelled Help for Heroes merchandise and presented a BBC Lifeline Appeal. Ross also was the face of the charity’s efforts to break down stereotypes of veterans as presented in the media, particularly those who live with PTSD.

Antony Cotton MBE

The Coronation Street star has been a proud patron of the charity since 2020 and a steadfast supporter of the military community since 2008.  

This commitment to the Armed Forces began when a close friend returned home after serving abroad in need of support, leading Antony to campaign to improve the lives of both serving personnel and veterans alike.  

Antony has been heavily involved with Help for Heroes’ fronting campaigns to raise awareness around suicide, visiting recovery centres, participating in fundraising events and promoting the charity’s initiatives to a broader audience.  

“It is a privilege and an honour to be a Patron of Help for Heroes, and I promise that I will do all I can to help.” 

Lorraine Kelly CBE

Lorraine Kelly is a TV presenter and journalist, and a keen supporter of Help for Heroes. She has a special connection to the Band of Sisters, championing their stories and taking a personal interest in ensuring they receieve the support they deserve.

Lorraine is the face of Bake for Heroes, and helps to drive national awareness for the charity.

She became a patron in 2010, and 10 years later, Lorraine became a National Honorary Colonel of the Army Cadets, where she serves at the forefront to help put them on the map.   

"I am honoured to be a Patron of Help for Heroes and to be involved in the incredible work they do. It is so important that we all get the chance to say thank you to our Armed Forces and for them to know how grateful we are for their service and sacrifices."

Sir Gareth Southgate OBE

Sir Gareth Southgate OBE is a former England football manager and star player who holds the record for the man who has represented England in more games than anyone else. 

He received his knighthood in December 2024 as part of the King’s 2025 New Year Honours list for services to association football. 

Sir Gareth joined the charity as a Patron in 2022 and has supported major campaigns such as the Veterans War, spending time with the Armed Forces Community and championing the support of veterans. He also frequently gives his time to take part in major donor and corporate events such as the 2024 BGC Charity Day.  

Sir Gareth has a close, personal connection with the Armed Forces through his grandfather’s service in the Second World War, which has shaped a large part of his identity.  

“My sense of identity and values are closely tied to my family, particularly my granddad. He was a fierce patriot and a proud military man who served during World War II. Because of him, I’ve always had an affinity for the military and service in the name of your country.”

Jane Moore

Jane is a well-renowned journalist, author and television presenter who has supported Help for Heroes since its early days, becoming a Patron in 2020. A regular on Loose Women and columnist for The Sun, she is a vocal advocate for better awareness of veterans’ mental and physical health issues. Jane has been a key part of Help for Heroes’ development, supporting many of our campaigns, taking part in fundraising events such as the Big Battlefield Bike Ride and visiting our Recovery Centres.

“It’s an honour to be a Patron for such a worthwhile cause that needs our ongoing support.”

Lady Peta and Sir Mark Cavendish MBE

Olympic cycling silver medallist and BBC Lifetime Achievement award winner, Sir Mark Cavendish, and his wife Lady Peta Cavendish, have long been key supporters and Patrons of Help for Heroes, having met at a Charity cycling event in California. They have thrown themselves into numerous fundraising and corporate events, helping to bolster the Charity's recognition with the public. 

Sir Mark received his knighthood in October 2024 from the Prince of Wales, as part of the King’s birthday honours.  

His many cycling achievements include winning thirty-four Tour de France stages and breaking the record for most staged wins (35) at the Tour de France, making him the greatest sprinter in the history of the Tour and cycling.   

Sir Mark always has time for our men and women of the Armed Forces, and understands that for many of them, the road to recovery is not a sprint but a long battle for them and their families.   

Lady Peta has supported the charity since it was founded, becoming a Patron in 2008, and took part in the first ever Big Battlefield Bike Ride back then. Since then, Peta has climbed Kilimanjaro, cycled across France, run the London Marathon, tobogganed, wing walked and jumped out of a plane, all in support of the Charity.

She has gained recognition for her work in business too, particularly in event planning and brand development. 

Ken Hames MBE

Ken served in the British Army for 25 years. He started as a tank driver but after being selected for Sandhurst he spent most of his career as an officer with the Queens Regiment and the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment, eventually becoming an SAS Troop and Squadron Commander, where - as he puts it - 'he got sent away to some very unsafe places and couldn't tell anybody anything about it!'

Ken's experiences in the Army led him to other careers in television, public speaking and leadership training. He was awarded the MBE in 2017.

General the Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL, President

General the Lord Dannatt was commissioned into The Green Howards in 1971 and served in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Germany and Bosnia. He took command of 3rd (United Kingdom) Division in January 1999 and served in Kosovo that year as Commander British Forces and later as the Deputy Commander Operations of the Stabilisation Force.

In March 2005 he took over as Commander-in-Chief Land Command and assumed the appointment of Chief of the General Staff in August 2006. He retired from the Army in August 2009 to become Constable of The Tower of London until 2016, was appointed to the House of Lords in 2010 and sits on the Crossbenches. 

He has been hugely involved in Help for Heroes from the start, both as a Trustee and as the first President of the Charity.

Andy McNab CBE DCM MM

From the day he was found in a carrier bag on the steps of Guy's Hospital, Andy McNab has lived an extraordinary life. As a teenage delinquent, he kicked against society. As a young soldier, he waged war against the IRA in the streets and fields of South Armagh. As a member of 22 SAS, he was at the centre of covert operations for nine years – on five continents. 

Awarded both the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and Military Medal (MM) during his military career, McNab was the British Army's most highly decorated serving soldier when he finally left the SAS. Since then, he has become one of the world’s bestselling writers, drawing on his insider knowledge and experience. He was awarded the CBE in 2017 for services to literacy and charity, after working with The Reading Agency to promote literacy in young adults and prisoners. 

Lucy Wyndham-Read

Army Veteran Lucy Wyndham-Read has been involved in the Health & Fitness industry for over 30 years and has a wealth of experience in how to get results and change lives

She is now a YouTube fitness star, with over 2.5 million followers and was the most viewed online trainer in the UK during the 2020 lockdown. 

At the age of 19, Lucy took on her ultimate challenge and joined the Army. During her service she learnt an array of skills that she still uses today, beginning her journey into the world of fitness, motivation, and how to never give up. 

Lucy now supports the charity, acting as a speaker at corporate events, and providing support to the veteran community through positive mental health tips and videos. She became a patron in February 2021.

"As a former soldier, it is such an honour for me to be a Patron for Help for Heroes! I am thrilled to be part of the team and have met some incredible veterans. I can’t wait for what's to come next!" 

JJ Chalmers

JJ Chalmers joined the Royal Marines Reserve in 2005 while at university, transferring to regular service in 2010.

A year later, he was serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when he suffered life-changing injuries from an IED blast. JJ lost two fingers and suffered facial and leg injuries in the incident, and his right elbow was badly damaged. 

JJ is a keen supporter of Help for Heroes and can be seen on most things Invictus Games and C4 Paralympics.  JJ also appeared in the 2020 edition of Strictly Come Dancing and made it to the Quarter Finals.

In 2021 JJ hosted the Channel 4 coverage of the Tokyo 21 Paralympics.