Meet our Patrons

Ian joined our Founder, Christine, as a Trustee and Chairman when she started the Charity in 2003. Having served on the board for 13 years he is now Honorary Life President. Ian is a British businessman who has worked at Tesco, eventually becoming Chief Executive and Chairman and subsequently at Vodafone as Chairman. Ian brings a wealth of experience and support to Hope for Tomorrow.

Ross is one of the most successful and innovative Technical Directors in Formula 1 history. Ross says “Most of us have been affected by cancer in one way or another, either directly or with loved ones. I lost my mother to cancer so I have always been very keen to support the team at Hope for Tomorrow because they are clearly making a difference to the lives of people battling against cancer”.

David Richards is a former World Rally Champion and the Founder and Chairman of Prodrive, one of the world’s leading motorsport and advanced technology businesses. David says “I was honoured to launch the Mobile Cancer Care Unit for Cornwall, named ‘Dorothy’, in memory of my grandmother, who sadly died of cancer. I am sure that had one of Hope for Tomorrow’s Mobile Cancer Care Units existed in those days, she may well have lived for many years longer.”

Derek raced in Formula 1, but more memorably in sports cars, winning 2 world championships, 5 times the Le Mans 24 hour race and 3 times at the Daytona 24h and was awarded an MBE in 1986 for his services to motorsport.
Derek says “What Hope for Tomorrow has achieved is incredible, and I am more than proud to be a small cog in that dynamic wheel”.

Geoffrey and his wife Ina founded a successful nationwide fleet management company, which became the largest independent fleet management group in the UK.
Geoffrey says “The invitation to become a Patron was very humbling and I feel very privileged to be a part of this dynamic organisation”.

Martin enjoyed 10 seasons of F1 racing and won Le Mans and Daytona 24 hour races, along with the World Sportscar Championship, before moving to the commentary box working with ITV and BBC. He is currently a lead commentator with Sky Sports F1. Martin says “It’s always been clear to me that the Charity is well organised and very efficient, and makes a significant difference to the lives of cancer sufferers and their families, at a most crucial time”.

Paula began her career in publishing producing a monthly business newsletter. As an offshoot to this Paula set up a mail order book business called Success Classics Library — her bestseller was a book called The Lazy Man’s Way to Riches selling some 180,000 copies. In the 1970’s Paula sold the newsletter business and with the proceeds bought a property in the South West, her first tenants were charity Founder Christine and her husband David. Paula says this was the beginning of a very happy relationship.