Our Patron, Ambassadors & Trustees
Our Patron
Chris Packham
We’re delighted to announce that Chris Packham has agreed to be Patron of Dogs for Autism. Chris is well known for his work as a Wildlife TV presenter and conservationist and for his successful campaign work in protecting animals and the environment. Chris has talked openly about his autism and the support his dogs have given him over the years.
Chris received his autism diagnosis in his forties and has recently talked about how this helped explain the feelings of isolation and depression he suffered as a young man. We are honoured that Chris has agreed to support our organisation and we are looking forward to working with him.
Our Ambassadors
Jean-Christophe Novelli
5 AA Rosette and 4* Michelin Award winning Chef
We are thrilled to announce that Michelin TV Chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli, is a new ambassador for Dogs for Autism.
Jean-Christophe’s youngest son Valentino was diagnosed with Autism when he was 3 years old, following treatment for cancer.
Jean-Christophe met Dogs for Autism earlier this year when he filmed a special segment for the BBC Children In Need Celebrity Bargain Hunt episode. Jean-Christophe met Jan Kiley, COO of Dogs for Autism and Luna, a trained autism assistance dog who has been life-changing for her partner, Zana and her family.
We are delighted that following the filming for the BBC and short tour of our new training centre, Jean-Christophe agreed to become an ambassador for Dogs for Autism to promote our work further.
Dr Scott Miller
BVSc MRCVS
Dr Scott Miller is best known for fronting the reality television show “Vet on the Hill” and he is currently the resident on-screen vet on ITV’s flagship show ‘This Morning’.
Having recently received his own autism diagnosis and as a parent of two autistic children, we are thrilled that he will now be an advocate for DfA whilst his own personal awareness of autism grows.
As a big believer in the strength and support that animals can provide, we are delighted that Dr Scott is now one of our charity ambassadors.
Dr Amir Khan
MB ChB (Hons), MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG
Dr Khan, who many of you will remember from TV’s GPs Behind Closed Doors, is a practising GP in Bradford and regularly seen as the resident doctor on ITV’s Lorraine daily morning show and Good Morning Britain. In 2020 Dr Khan published ‘The Doctor will see you now’, which explores the highs and lows of life as a GP in the UK.
As an avid supporter of the nation’s health and wellbeing, Dr Khan is well-known for his informative short videos outlining the signs and symptoms of health conditions and is a great believer in patient self-awareness.
We are thrilled that he has joined our charity to help champion our work and raise awareness of the life changing role of our assistance dogs.
Carly Jones
MBE
Carly has been working as an autism advocate since 2008 and was made an MBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list for services to the autistic population.
With a fantastic reputation for her pioneering work with and for autistic people, we are delighted that she has chosen to support our charity as our first ambassador.
Stephen Brooker
Stephen Brooker is Executive Musical Supervisor for Cameron Mackintosh worldwide. He was musical director and conductor for Universal Pictures’ film of Les Misérables.
Stephen is a long standing supporter of the charity and has provided foster care for some of our trainee assistance dogs, including Labradors, Arthur and Jerry G.
Stephen has an extensive and impressive musical portfolio; for more information please visit his website.
Ella Tabb
Ella has been creating content and working as an autism advocate since 2016 when they received a late diagnosis of autism. As Purple Ella they create content on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, where they aim to create a safe space for autistic people and their loved ones to feel comforted, valued and seen.
Ella is proud to be an ambassador for Dogs for Autism, knowing first hand how valuable a partnership with a dog can be because they have been working with an assistance dog since 2020.
Our Board of Trustees
Max Charman
Trustee
Max is strategically focused, self-motivated and professional, with the ability to work to strict delivery deadlines while maintaining quality and high standards.
Dick Wilkinson
Trustee
Following a career encompassing the Army and finance, Dick was Director of Horse Rangers, a children’s charity at Hampton Court, which included a Riding for the Disabled branch with many autistic clients. Dick was also secretary of the Royal Humane Society from 2007 until his retirement in 2017. As a result of this work, Dick has a wealth of experience in running a charitable organisation.
Dick has an autistic grandson and has seen first-hand the positive impact an assistance dog can have not only on the autistic person but the family as a whole.
Zoe Lattimer
Trustee
Zoe believes passionately in a holistic approach to education, with a conviction that life and academic skills can be taught side-by-side with support.
Antonia Brown-Griffin
Trustee
Kellie-Jayne Cox
Trustee
Kellie–Jayne is Mum to two children. Her son, Henry, is 9 and was diagnosed as autistic aged 3. Henry attends a local special needs school and during autism awareness week he did lots of jumping and walking to raise awareness for DfA. Kellie–Jayne is also a Governor at Henry’s school and a committee member for the local Alton/Bordon National Autistic Society Group.
Kellie–Jayne has worked as a solicitor for nearly 20 years and is keen to bring both her professional and personal experience to the DfA team. She understands first-hand the challenges that autism can bring to children and their families and is passionate about raising awareness and supporting others wherever she can.