Helen Fospero is one of the Foundation’s founder patrons and an active member of the fund-raising committee. She’s been a journalist for more than 20 years currently fronting SKY News and Five News.
How did you first get to know about the charity?
I first read about the charity in YOU magazine. Daniel’s story broke my heart, and on finishing the article, I knew I had to do something to help. My daughter, Francesca, was only two so as a new parent, it made me realise how vulnerable our children are, and how devastating paralysis like this would be for any mother or father to deal with.
I invited David to appear as a guest on Five News, one of the programmes I regularly present. But I was on holiday when he came in. So I dropped him a line offering to help in any way I could. The charity was formed shortly after that and I joined the committee. It’s also been the start of a very special friendship with David and his wife Claire, and I’ve enjoyed working alongside some extraordinary people.
And how did you become a patron?
I was invited to become a patron after sitting on the committee for a year or so. I felt quite emotional when I opened the letter from David asking me whether I would become one. It’s a massive honour, and I’ve since been joined by some amazing names. People like Sir Richard Branson, Eamonn Holmes, and rugby’s Martin Johnson and Will Greenwood.
What kind of activities do you get involved with?
I played a role in organising the Independence Day Ball we hosted this July. It raised around a quarter of a million pounds. And I try to make use of my knowledge of the media world to get publicity for what we’re doing. This week I did a 20 minute interview about the Foundation on European Radio.
The great thing about being part of a small team is that you end up doing all sorts of things you never expect. I’m always keen to help in any way I can.
If you looked ahead into the future, what would you like to see happen with the charity in five years time?
I hope we will have raised our initial target of 5 million pounds. I would love to see British professor Geoffrey Raisman close to a breakthrough on spinal injuries thanks to financial support from the Foundation. Right now I’d like him to be able to focus on his research, rather than spending his time fund raising and battling bureaucracy.
And my ultimate dream is to be there when Dan takes his first steps. I’m confident the medical world will find a cure for some forms of spinal cord injury and I pray tens of thousands of paralysed people will one day benefit from it. With the Foundation’s support, David will leave no stone unturned in our search for a cure.
How can people help?
We are always grateful for donations, however small. And we organise exciting events like balls, golf days and treks. 95 per cent of all money raised goes to the charity as we keep our overheads at an absolute minimum. And Daniel doesn’t receive any funding from the Foundation.
