PATRONS
PAUL KENYON, JOURNALIST & WRITER
Paul was a BBC investigative journalist and presenter on the Panorama programme for 25 years. He has investigated and reported on many injustices on a global basis.
Paul came to the attention of the Trustees through his Panorama programme on the use of Indian nationals in drug testing by elements of the global pharmaceutical industry. AWARE provided support to some of those who had apparently been harmed by these actions and established a relationship with Paul. This resulted in Paul’s agreement to become a Patron.
RAKESH PATEL, FOUNDER OF THE BHARAT ARMY
Rakesh was born in London and brought up in a cricket mad family. His father played international cricket for his country, Kenya, so he’s always had a passion for sport but particularly cricket. He has been supporting the Indian cricket team around the world since 1999 and set up the first global Indian Supporters Group soon after: The Bharat Army, which now regularly travels the world supporting Team India.
Rakesh has been working for an international recruitment business for 13 years and in 2010 was asked to set up a business for them in Mumbai. This was the first time he lived in India and he got to understand the real challenges the underprivileged faced. He decided to support local charities who supported the education of underprivileged children in India via the company he worked for.
Since returning to England, Rakesh has been keen to use the Bharat Army platform to continue his support and now works closely with The AWARE Foundation on some of the key projects they work on.
JOHN WRIGHT, FORMER COACH OF THE INDIAN CRICKET TEAM
John is a vastly experienced international figure in world cricket. His Test career as an opening batsman for New Zealand was followed by a five year assignment as Coach to the Indian national side – a period of some success.
His extensive time and travel throughout India mean that he has first hand knowledge of its social problems and his support and belief in AWARE is of great benefit to the Foundation.
A TRIBUTE TO A PAST PATRON
KIRIT PATEL MBE, CEO DAY LEWIS GROUP
The Trustees, his fellow patrons and the friends of AWARE were deeply saddened at the death of Kirit in 2016.
Kirit’s standing within the community in the UK was such that he was able to help us introduce AWARE to a wider audience than had been possible prior to his engagement, as one of its patrons.
His principal business interest was of course, The Day Lewis retail pharmacy group, which occupied most of his time and he and his family have been very generous in allowing this entitiy to support the fund raising endeavours of AWARE. In addition, his own personal generosity was second to none. Many of the disadvantged children supported by the charity have benefitted from his involvement.
The Trustees are committed to ensure that his memory is kept alive now and as we move forward with our efforts.
Thank you Kirit and Rest In Peace