Our Patrons
What is a patron of a charity?
A patron of a charity is a respected or influential figure who lends their name, credibility, and public support to an organisation as an honorary figurehead and, by doing so, inspires and encourages others to help support the charity's work. We have started to add patrons again this year.
What our patrons will do for FLOW?
In terms of what we do at FLOW, our patrons will be people connected to our work and who have agreed to support it to help others. Their support may range from simply explaining why they support what we do to actively sharing their thoughts, feelings, and support in our online community by sharing their story as a story, poem, or letter to those affected by similar challenges, or even by sharing their message in lyrics.
Some, if they can, may join us at our book launches and other events in the city or town where the event is taking place and sign books for people as Dame Vera Lynn used to do. Or support us during the Invictus Games in Birmingham next year.
What types of patrons are we looking for?
We are hoping to attract well-known people and celebrities who themselves have experienced various challenges in their own lives in and around the areas of members of the armed forces, veterans and their families, anyone who has been through a tough time in their lives and who are willing to share their experiences. People who have experienced mental health challenges and are willing to share their stories and journeys.
When public figures and celebrities share their lived experiences, they can connect with others who have gone through similar challenges and be respected for sharing their stories and journeys. In turn, this gives people like you and me the courage to share our stories too.
We hope to find patrons who:
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have served in the armed forces, are a veteran, or are a member of the armed forces community (families and supporters)
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are publicly well known and willing to share their own story of the challenges in life
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are willing to share their mental health challenges so that others can take inspiration and courage from their sharing
We currently have Ricky Fergusson, MC (see below), and have approached singers like MILCK and James Blunt, too. So let us know who you would suggest and why you’re suggesting them. You can do this in our Community Chat.
Current Patrons
Ricky Furgusson MC
Ricky served in the Royal Green Jackets until 2007, when the infantry restructured; his regiment then became part of the Rifles, and he served with the 4th Battalion.
Over the course of his career, he completed three operational tours, including Northern Ireland, Iraq and a deployment to Afghanistan.
When serving in Afghanistan, a roadside bomb left four of his comrades injured; he risked his own life to get each of them to safety and went back for a fifth soldier who later sadly died of his wounds. For these actions, he was awarded the Military Cross (MC), presented to him by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
Ricky was caught in a further blast in Afghanistan that cost him both legs, his left eye, and parts of the fingers on both hands. He began an intensive course of treatment at Headley Court, the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, and rebuilt his strength and independence. After ten and a half years of service, he was medically discharged.
None of this has slowed him down. Since leaving the Army, Ricky has:
Carried the Olympic Torch in May 2012
Received The Millie Award for Life Saving
Been made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Telford and Wrekin
Carried the Premier League Trophy onto the pitch at Old Trafford for Manchester United
We're proud to welcome someone with Ricky's resilience, courage, and drive as patron of FLOW for ALL, and we look forward to what we'll achieve together.
