SNAPS is passionate about providing support and leisure services to children with all kinds of additional needs, as well as supporting their families in any way we can. Through our passion we have been able to appoint some fantastic patrons who have the same desire to help children who need a little extra support.
Back in 2016 SNAPS were delighted to introduce Leeds boxer Josh Warrington as a patron. Josh is a Leeds based boxer with an impressive boxing record which is equally matched by his impressive charitable nature. Josh has given tireless support to local and grass roots sport and has supported many local charities, including SNAPS.
Josh was introduced to the families at Penny Fields site in 2016 by the Chair of Trustees Chris Eatwell, who gave Josh a tour of the site and the services we provide. Josh was able to watch a rebound session and was keen to hear about the benefits it provides to the children.
When we asked why Josh had become involved with SNAPS he told us that he has two siblings with special needs and was inspired by the work the charity does when SNAPS were sharing their story at a local event he attended. Josh said “This is a charity and a subject which is very close to my heart and if I can help to raise either awareness or their profile then I will do what I can.”
Our second patron is Hilary Benn MP, who has been the Labour Member of Parliament for Leeds Central since 1999. Hilary has been a patron for SNAPS since 2017 when he helped open our second site at Broomfield. Hilary spent time on the day chatting with staff and volunteers as well as learning about the services the charity offers by speaking to our families.
Hilary said “Having seen at first hand the valuable work done by SNAPS in improving the lives of young people with additional needs and supporting parents I am delighted to be their patron.”
Hilary has followed SNAPS’ work closely over the years and is always keen to show support to our charity by helping to promote the great work we do and the vital services we provide to the children who need it the most.
We are honoured to have both Josh and Hilary as patrons of SNAPS and look forward to working closely with them in the future to showcase the fantastic work that SNAPS does within our community