Our Patrons
Chrissie Wellington, OBE
Chrissie Wellington, OBE is a former British professional triathlete and four-time Ironman Triathlon World Champion (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011), one of Sam's heroes and now one of his friends and patron for his Charity.
Chrissie was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2010 Birthday Honours and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to sport and charity. She was also named the 2009 Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year and has Honorary Doctorates from the University of Birmingham and the University of Bristol.
During her triathlon career Chrissie log-rolled across the finish line, in memory of Jon Blais, a American triathlete who sadly died of MND in 2007. A decade or more later, she is incredibly proud and honoured to be a patron of Stand Against MND, having forged a lasting friendship with Sam through their shared love of triathlon. She was delighted to join a team who pushed Sam at the TCS London Marathon and the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon.
Read Chrissie's tribute to Sam
Jonny Owen
Jonny Owen is a producer, director at Sam's beloved Nottingham Forest and now a friend and patron of Sam's Charity.
Sam first met Jonny through a mutual connection at Nottingham Forest. Jonny was impressed by Sam's drive and passion in the face of adversity and so gave him the opportunity to work with the Nottingham Forest media team to help raise awareness of MND.
This then led to Sam and Jonny becoming friends. Sam was even invited to attend his wedding celebration where Jonny and Vicky selected Stand Against MND as one of the charities for their guests to donate to as a wedding gift.
We are incredibly grateful to Jonny for using his platform to help Sam make known his Stand Against MND.