Our Patrons and Ambassadors

Louis Tomlinson

PATRON

“I had never heard of Encephalitis or acquired brain injury until I met Eden. As I spent more and more time with her it soon become apparent the real and serious issues this brave little girl faced. Despite her illness Eden is a truly incredible little girl and we have become great friends. When asked if I would consider becoming a patron of their charity, I was honoured, there was no doubt in my mind and of course I said yes. I told Petrina I will do everything I possibly can to help raise awareness so I can help other children like Eden. I am incredibly passionate and driven to make a real difference with this brilliant charity.”

Andrew ‘Freddy’ Flintoff

PATRON

“I am both thrilled and proud to have become a Patron of The Eden Dora Trust for Children with Encephalitis. Before talking with Eden’s parents, I had never heard of Encephalitis. It is one of those illnesses that hardly anyone knows anything about. I have since come to understand just how vital this charity is, and when they asked me to support The Eden Dora Trust, I did so without a second thought. I think it’s really important that people are able to appreciate more what it’s like to have suffered from Encephalitis and the Acquired Brain Injury that follows it, so I am delighted at being able to do my bit and help in any way that I can.”

Joe Hart

PATRON

“I consider it a great privilege to be a Patron of The Eden Dora Trust for Children with Encephalitis. It is wonderful to be part of such an incredible charity. Everybody associated with it works tirelessly to raise awareness and as much money as possible for children who suffer with Encephalitis and the resulting ABI . To see the work that Petrina does , and the difference that the charity will make to the lives of so many children is very special , and I will do everything that I can to raise awareness about Encephalitis and ABI in children , and work with the inspirational team of people involved in this charity to raise as much money as possible for this wonderful charity.”

Paul Dickov

PATRON

“I was very moved to hear of Eden’s story, and having met her on many occasions, and seeing what a wonderful girl she is, I was very honoured to be invited to become a Patron of this wonderful charity . I had no hesitation in accepting. As a father of young children myself, I so much admire the way that their family – having had to endure so much – are reaching out to other families to try and help them avoid some of the suffering and distress that can be caused by Encephalitis, and the resulting acquired brain injury ( ABI ). I have no doubt that the lives of many children with this complex and debilitating illness will be helped through their efforts, and I will do all that I can to help raise awareness and help raise as much money as possible for this truly worthwhile cause.”

Emily Maitlis

AMBASSADOR

About Me: “I grew up in Sheffield but now live in London and am the chief presenter on BBC Newsnight and co host of the podcast Americast.”

Why EDT: “I’m proud to support the terrific work of the Eden Dora Trust – providing invaluable help for children and families affected by Encephalitis at a time when all families need maximum support, care and understanding.”

Paul Wait

PATRON

“I was stunned when I was first told and had never heard of the illness. Then I started asking around and found quite a few people who had personal accounts of tragedy including my sister-in-law who lost her brother to Encephalitis as an infant. Up until that point I had no idea and I doubt many people have. I am honoured to be asked to be a Patron and play a part in raising awareness and funding for this cause.”

Damian Williams

PATRON

About Me: “I have been a professional actor since the age of sixteen when I joined a Rep theatre company. Since then, I have appeared in theatre tours, TV shows, films, hosted my own Sky 1 quiz show (‘Damian’s Are You Smarter Than Your Ten Year Old?’), and done numerous pantos. This year will be my fifteenth year as resident Dame at The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield.”

Why EDT: “I am delighted to be a patron of the Eden Dora Trust and to hopefully be a small part of creating more awareness of their incredible work to help children and families affected by Encephalitis and Acquired Brain Injuries.”

Jimmy White M.B.E.

PATRON

About Me: “I started playing snooker at a very young age, and have since been World Seniors champion 4 times, World Championship finalist 6 times, won 29 tournaments, and am the first left-handed player to score a maximum 147 in the world championships.”

Why EDT: “When I was asked to become a patron of The Eden Dora Trust, I accepted straight away. It is my honour to have been asked and I want to do all I can to help. The work that The Eden Dora Trust does every day to help children who now live their lives with an acquired brain injury, and the help they give to their families, is incredible. Petrina in particular has made – and continues to make better – the lives of so many families. Her tireless work is an inspiration, and I will be doing all I can to help The Eden Dora Trust in any and every way I am able to.”

Dan Hatfield

PATRON

About Me: “Born and raised in Sheffield, I’m proud to call myself a local lad. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of starring in Channel 4’s hit show Posh Pawnbrokers, ITV’s prime-time series Million Pound Pawn, and ITV’s This Morning, and am a bestselling author and weekly columnist for the Daily Mail.”

Why EDT: “I am absolutely thrilled to be asked to become a Patron of the Eden Dora Trust. From the moment I met Petrina and Eden, I was deeply inspired by their selfless drive to help others. Their passion and dedication to raising awareness about encephalitis and supporting those affected is nothing short of life-changing.

Encephalitis is not something we hear about in everyday conversations, yet it affects so many lives each day. I am committed to doing all I can to support the vital work of the Eden Dora Trust, and I am honored to stand alongside such a dedicated and far-reaching charity.”