Clare Balding

We are fortunate to have the support and involvement of Clare Balding as our founder Patron. Clare is a radio and television broadcaster with wide-ranging experience of covering sporting and other nationally important occasions. She is pleased to be involved with Swings & Smiles at its inception and is committed to achieving the best possible provision for families of children with special needs in West Berkshire.

“I am very pleased to be a patron of a charity that has one aim in mind - to help those who need it by building a fabulous centre where children with special needs and their families can enjoy precious time together. This is not a big charity, there are no hidden expenses, no fancy advisers or unnecessary wastage. Swings & Smiles will make a massive difference to people’s lives - it will bring a ray of sunshine, a place where happiness and laughter will light up the day and I cannot think of anything better in which to invest time and money.”

Graeme Murty

Graeme, the recent Reading Football Club captain, Scotland International right back and who now plays for Southampton, is well known for his sense of the importance of community involvement and is actively involved in promoting Swings & Smiles through the local media.

“That Swings & Smiles is going to impact upon the Thames Valley area in such a positive manner reflects fantastically upon those people whose dedication and vision are bringing the dream to fruition. To be asked to be a patron of such a wonderful charity is a source of great pride to me. It is also a reminder that sometimes needing something and campaigning for it is not enough, there are times when direct action is essential. That is why working with Swings & Smiles is so gratifying as those people who saw the need for our facility got up and are making it happen. To work alongside such a focused team is a humbling yet empowering sensation as they strive towards our goal. That is why I could not ignore Swings & Smiles when they asked me to help, I hope they get the same response from thousands more people. They truly deserve huge support and praise.”

Mary Cameron

Mary is Deputy Lieutenant of Berkshire and actively involved in charity work in the county. She has also been a trustee of the Newbury Spring Festival since its inception. She is very aware of the challenges faced by families with children with special needs as her grandson, Ivan, suffered from cerebral palsy.

“I am very happy to be a patron of Swings & Smiles. It is an exciting project and so important to have a place where families with a disabled member can enjoy time together in an environment in which they can all participate.”

Peter Baker

Peter is the founder of the Peter Baker Foundation, a charity established to help disadvantaged children in West Berkshire. Peter's career extends over several decades as a very successful and well respected local businessman.

“I have been very interested in Swings & Smiles since it was created as its aim is to improve the quality of the lives of families who have a child with special needs. There is no doubt that this comprehensive play facility will benefit many children in the area and I am greatly honoured to be a patron.”