Patrons & Ambassadors

Barry Hearn qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1970 and spent several years with a major firm of international accountants before moving into the commercial world as finance director of Kensal House Investments. He became chairman of Lucania Snooker Clubs in 1974 and began to involve the snooker hall chain in amateur tournament promotions.

In 1976 Steve Davis began playing at the Romford Lucania Club and the two struck up a friendship which was to have a major influence on the world of snooker. In 1982 Riley Leisure acquired the chain of Lucania Snooker Clubs for £3.1 million leaving Barry free to concentrate on the development of snooker, both in the UK and overseas. With the support of the Matchroom professional players, Barry promoted snooker all over the world and has been particularly instrumental in the development of the game in the Far East.

Barry began his involvement in big time boxing by going straight in at the deep end – staging the Joe Bugner v Frank Bruno heavyweight show-down at Tottenham’s White Hart Lane Stadium in 1987, in front of 30,000 people. Together with Sky Sports, Barry helped discover and develop such champions as Chris Eubank, Nigel Benn, Herbie Hide, Francis Ampofo, Steve Collins, and Jim McDonnell. In more recent times, in conjunction with his son Eddie, the Hearns have set the likes of Carl Froch and Olympian Anthony Joshua on the path to glittering success.

Married to Susan with two children, Barry lists his sporting interests as fishing, running and golf. Whilst he has no pretensions about his snooker skills or come to that, his boxing ability – Barry is a fanatical angler and spends many a relaxing hour outwitting the carp in his private lake.

As long-standing Chairman of the Professional Darts Corporation, Barry has overseen one of the sports business’s biggest success stories as darts has developed into a massive arena sport. In March 1995, Barry Hearn assumed a controlling interest in Leyton Orient Football Club and over a twenty year period stabilised the club on a sound financial footing.

Finally, returning to his roots, in December 2009, Barry was voted in as Chairman of World Snooker and has since assumed a leading role as the revitalisation of the sport has gone from strength to strength and turned snooker into a real global sport.

Over the years, Barry Hearn’s Matchroom Sport organisation has grown into one of the world’s most prolific independent sports promotion and television companies, producing over 1,000 hours of original material each year.

Julie Kembrey is a bereaved mother to twin daughters, Francesca and Josephine, who were diagnosed with a progressive, life-limiting condition at three and a half years old and received support from Jessie May.

Julie’s family was first introduced to Jessie May when her daughters were referred to the service in 1998. At that time, Jessie May was still a fairly new local charity and not very well known. “We were so fortunate to be cared for by the wonderful nurses and to become part of the Jessie May community,” she recalls.

In the early days, Francesca and Josephine enjoyed play, stories, and singing during visits, and as a family, their confidence quickly grew. They looked forward to family days and Christmas parties, where they could meet and socialise with other families.

As time passed, the girls’ health and abilities deteriorated. They needed increasing amounts of medication, equipment, and nursing support, which was challenging, tiring, and stressful for the whole family. Julie said, “Jessie May were such an important part of our growing team. We always felt supported by the friendly and highly skilled nurses who worked in our home. They gave us some much-needed downtime, as well as a listening ear and helpful advice when the girls were unwell or when their symptoms changed.”

Sadly, Francesca died at 15 and a half years old, and Josephine at 18. “This was a devastating experience for our family, and once again we were supported by Jessie May’s compassionate nurses and ongoing bereavement support. I don’t know how we would have coped without them.”

Gradually, Julie regained strength and wanted to use the skills she had gained to support Jessie May and the families we care for. Volunteering alongside the nurses, she founded a bereavement group for parents, The Purple Group. She also served as a trustee for eight years and has been involved in many fundraising and promotional events. Now, as a Jessie May ambassador with a particular interest in bereavement services, she brings both personal experience and valuable insight to the team.

“Over the years, Jessie May has grown and matured into the well-known and much-respected children’s palliative care service it is today.”

For several years, Roger has worked closely with a local disabled sports team. “Understanding their needs and building many friendships with the team members has stood me in very good stead for my involvement with Jessie May. It’s about engaging with people who have disabilities—not with ‘disabled people.’ There’s an enormous difference between those two descriptions.”

“Every day I proudly wear my purple Jessie May wristband and lapel badge. It’s amazing how many people ask me about them, and their curiosity gives me the perfect opportunity to spread the word about how incredible the Jessie May charity is.”

Roger ran the Bath Half Marathon to raise funds for Jessie May and does his best to take part in as many events as possible. “The events are always inspiring. Everyone involved with the charity is extraordinary—people achieving extraordinary things. The wonderful, unsolicited testimonials received by the charity make all the hard work so worthwhile.”

Roger has always lived in the Bristol area. He is married, with two adult children who are both married themselves, and one beautiful grandchild, aged 7. Previously a solicitor and then a barrister, Roger specialised in child and employment law, and continues to work in the legal field in Bristol. Over the years, he has held several workplace managerial roles and has served as President or Chairman of various local organisations.

“I joined Jessie May at a very exciting time, and I very much hope to continue a long and happy association with the charity.”

Julianne is a multi-award-winning young entrepreneur who’s created snack bars and baking mixes to cater for all different allergies, vegans and those wanting a healthy, yet tasty alternative to what’s in the market. Her products are sold in Asda, Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Ocado and many more (over 5,000 stores across the UK!), as well as overseas in countries like Dubai, Oman, Kuwait, Malta and soon the USA! It almost didn’t happen for her though…

…At 9 years old, Julianne was given just 4 hours to live after a routine laparoscopy for pancreatitis ran into complications. With the help of some amazing young doctors, Julianne pulled through and was walking, running and dancing within 3 weeks (although she had to stay in the hospital for over 6 months). Her pancreatitis came back at 17 and doctors told Julianne she wouldn’t live past 24. Now aged 29, Julianne is living proof that no matter how difficult the situation seems, belief is more powerful.

“I’m so happy to be supporting Jessie May as it’s a charity so close to my heart. I wish they could have been there when I was younger and had pancreatitis, an illness never recorded in children as young as me. It was a scary time for me and my parents, so having Jessie May nurses would have helped us out immensely. I look forward to getting to know the children and supporting in any way I can.”

Lloyd Kembrey has supported Jessie May since he was a child, and his dedication to the charity has only grown over the years. In 2023, he became an extraordinary fundraiser, taking on 15 challenges throughout the year and raising an incredible £43,000 for Jessie May. His efforts earned him a nomination for the Pride of Britain Awards. Lloyd has shown extroadinary passion and commitment to Jessie May, driven by a deeply personal connection.

"Jessie May is a charity that holds a special place in the heart of my whole family. They supported my cousins, Francesca and Josephine, during their lives, and the care they gave to them, my aunt and uncle, and the rest of the family was immeasurable. From that time, I’ve been in awe of the support Jessie May provides - not just to the children, but to their entire families."

"As a family, we’ve been involved in many fundraising efforts over the years- attending business open days, bag packing in supermarkets, and even fundraising outside the Bristol Hippodrome when we were kids, often with our cousins by our side. So when the Trust asked me to become an ambassador, I was truly honoured. I’m proud to now support the charity in an official capacity.”

Dr. Zara Nanu MBE is an advocate for workplace gender equality and wider fair pay.

As the CEO of Gapsquare from XpertHR, which offers expansive diversity and equality data intelligence & report generation, Zara is utilising data science and AI to reimagine the future of work.

Zara is an unstoppable campaigner around building technology-led workplaces with inclusivity at their core. Using her expertise, Zara can be seen speaking at international events, sharing her ideas with the OECD and through her recent TED talk, as well as withina range of reports and publications. Zara believes in putting the power and responsibility of equality and diversity in the hands of employers.

As a graduate of The University of the West of England (PhD in Social Sciences), Zara can’t wait to get started and help a local charity reach hundreds of families across the south west.

Sir Steve Webb was a Member of Parliament in South Gloucestershire from 1997 to 2015 and has been a keen supporter of the Jessie May Trust for many years. During his time in government, he served as the Pensions Minister from 2010 to 2015.

Before entering politics, Steve was Professor of Social Policy at the University of Bath, and since stepping down as an MP, he has worked in the pensions industry. He is a well-known commentator on pensions and retirement issues, frequently appearing on TV, radio, and in the national press. In recognition of his public service, Steve was awarded a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours in 2017.

Steve lives with his family near Thornbury and volunteers in his spare time as a debt adviser with the Thornbury-based charity New Start Debt Advice.

His long-standing support for Jessie May stems from a deep appreciation of the charity’s work in the local community. As an MP, he saw first-hand the vital difference Jessie May makes to families caring for children with life-limiting conditions - offering both expert nursing care and compassionate emotional support. He continues to champion the charity because he believes every family should be able to access this kind of holistic, dignified care when they need it most.

Laura Tomlinson is an international dressage rider who has competed at a number of high profile shows including two Olympic games. She was a part of the gold medal winning team at the London 2012 Olympics and also took home an individual bronze medal with her horse Alf.

Laura and her husband Mark, who plays polo, live in Gloucestershire where they raise their four young children.

“I am so delighted to be an ambassador for Jessie May and to support the incredibly important work they do. The support they provide to children and their families through such difficult times is invaluable. I hope that with this partnership, I can help widen Jessie May's audience so that more people can see and support their wonderful work.”

Jamie Jones is a Welsh professional snooker player known for his tenacity, talent, and inspiring resilience. Turning professional in 2006, Jamie quickly built a reputation as a fierce competitor with a cool head under pressure. He burst onto the world stage in 2012, reaching the quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship - an achievement that solidified his status as one of the sport’s rising stars.

Throughout his career, Jamie has earned widespread respect for his perseverance, overcoming challenges with grit and determination. His journey in snooker is one of persistence, and he brings that same drive and heart to his work off the table.

Jamie’s decision to become an ambassador for Jessie May is rooted in his compassion and desire to give back. The charity’s mission- supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families through expert nursing care - resonated deeply with him.

As an ambassador, Jamie is committed to helping raise awareness and funds for Jessie May. Whether it’s through charity snooker exhibitions, coaching masterclasses, or using his social media platform to spotlight the charity’s work, Jamie is passionate about using his influence for good. He’s also keen to be hands-on - meeting families, visiting the care team, and bringing smiles to faces wherever he can.

Jamie’s dedication to both his sport and his community makes him a powerful advocate for Jessie May, and we’re proud to have him on board.

Kyren Wilson is an accomplished English professional snooker player, celebrated for his all-round game, mental strength, and consistent performance under pressure. Since turning professional in 2010, Kyren has risen through the ranks to become one of the sport’s most respected competitors, securing multiple ranking titles - including a standout victory at the prestigious Shanghai Masters. In 2024, Kyren cemented his place among the snooker greats by winning the World Snooker Championship.

Off the table, Kyren is a proud husband to Sophie and devoted father to their two sons, Finley and Bailey. Family is at the heart of everything he does, and he often credits their support as a driving force behind his success. Despite the demands of the professional snooker circuit, Kyren prioritises quality time with his loved ones and is frequently seen with his family cheering him on at tournaments.

It’s this deep-rooted appreciation for family that inspired Kyren to become an ambassador for Jessie May. The charity’s mission - to provide vital care and support to children with life-limiting conditions in the comfort of their own homes - deeply resonates with his values.

As an ambassador, Kyren will be using his platform to raise awareness of Jessie May’s work and inspire others to get involved. From hosting family-friendly events and snooker masterclasses, to launching social media campaigns and making personal appearances at Jessie May fundraisers, Kyren is committed to helping the charity continue its incredible work across the South West.

Rob Walker has been a network TV broadcaster since 1999, appearing regularly on BBC Sport, ITV Sport and Channel 4 - three of the UK’s major terrestrial channels.

His two biggest broadcasting passions are athletics and snooker. Rob has covered every edition of the World Athletics Championships since Helsinki 2005 as one of the lead TV commentators for World Athletics, and every World Snooker Championship since 2008. As a result, his voice is instantly recognisable to fans of both sports around the world.

Rob has also been a familiar presence at every Commonwealth Games since 2002, every Summer Olympic Games since Athens 2004, and every Winter Olympics since 2010.

He is known throughout the broadcasting industry for his meticulous preparation, distinctive voice, and infectious enthusiasm on air. In addition to his broadcasting work, Rob is also a published author, having written one of the most comprehensive children's books about the Olympic Games.

In 2021 and 2022, Rob faced the devastating loss of three close friends - Robin, Martyn and Martin - who passed away within seven months of each other. After delivering eulogies for each of them, Rob decided to channel his grief into action. In June 2023, he completed an extraordinary Run and Cycle challenge from John O’Groats to Land’s End in their memory, raising money for two charities, including Jessie May.

Jessie May was a natural choice. One of Rob’s late friends, Robin, had a deep connection to the world of snooker, while Martyn lived his entire life in Bristol. The link to Jessie May on both fronts felt personal and poignant.

Tragically, that connection deepened even further in December 2022, when one of Rob’s son’s closest friends, George, died suddenly at the age of 9 while on holiday in Lapland visiting Father Christmas. George had a light that shone brightly, and his passing left the entire of East Gloucestershire community heartbroken.

After witnessing first-hand the compassion and care Jessie May’s bereavement support offers to families in the darkest of times, Rob felt truly honoured to be invited to become an Ambassador for the charity.

Bristol City Women’s Football Club, founded in 1990, has long been a proud symbol of resilience, talent, and community spirit. Competing in the Barclays Women’s Super League, the highest tier of women’s football in England, the team is known not only for its fierce performances on the pitch but also for its deep-rooted commitment to making a difference off it.

Originally established as Bristol Academy, the club rebranded to Bristol City Women to align more closely with Bristol City FC, solidifying their identity within the wider footballing community. Today, they play at Ashton Gate Stadium, a venue that reflects their ambition and brings together fans from across the region in support of the growing women's game.

At the heart of the club is a passion for development and opportunity. Their youth academy continues to nurture the next generation of football stars, while their outreach work reflects a strong belief in using sport as a force for good.

This passion for people and purpose is exactly what makes Bristol City Women such a valued ambassador for Jessie May.

As ambassadors, Bristol City Women are involved in a wide range of activities to champion Jessie May. Whether it’s hosting a charity football tournament, volunteering at an event, or proudly wearing the Jessie May logo, the club is committed to using its platform to create meaningful impact.

We are thrilled to welcome Bristol City Women’s Football Club to the Jessie May family and look forward to everything we’ll achieve together.