Patrons

Ski 2 Freedom is delighted to have the support and encouragement its Patrons and Ambassadors. In particular we are extremely grateful to the Tobell Family from Sweden. Mrs Inger Tobell, on behalf of her late husband Ernie, is dedicated to ensuring that young people have life-changing experiences on the mountains and known as "Ernie's Children" this project allows us to meet the needs of so many children with often extreme complex health conditions via our Portfolio and donation of much needed specialist ski and sport equipment.

We are particularly delighted to share their stories and enthusiasm for life with you.

Jamie Andrew OBE

Jamie Andrew is a mountaineer who despite losing his hands and his feet in an accident at the age of 29 climbing the North Face of Les Droites has gone on to make a string of absolutely incredible achievements. He is great supporter of Ski 2 Freedom and particularly helpful in advising beneficiaries who like, him have lost limbs, and need encouragement to achieve the same dreams as he has done. Catherine Cosby Founder of Ski 2 Freedom first met Jamie when he gave an inspirational talk to the first Battle Back group in Germany. His book "Life and Limb" is truly remarkable and says so much about a man whose humility but strong sense of "give it a go" is an inspiration to us all.

Jamie's story: “My great passion in life has always been mountaineering. At the height of my climbing career, tragedy struck unexpectedly when my climbing partner and I were caught for five days in a terrible storm after completing the North Face of Les Droites in the French Alps. The ensuing helicopter rescue was one of the most spectacular in the history of the Alps and made news headlines around the world. Unfortunately the rescue came too late for my partner Jamie Fisher but I survived despite severe frostbite and hypothermia. Later in hospital, all of my hands and feet had to be amputated. To read an article about the ordeal and my rescue click here .”

Jamie is married and has three children and lives in Edinburgh. He is also a Patron of Disability Snowsports UK and a curator for the Scottish Book Trust. He has also worked with the British Armed Forces on their Adaptive Adventure Training Programme, Battle Back, for wounded servicemen and women and he also works for the Hunter Foundation.

More on Jamie:
Gstaad Life May 2013 - talk at the JF Kennedy School Saanen Switzerland

Jamie is inspirational and we would love you to read more about his life and his story:

www.jamieandrew.com
genevalunch.com/hats-off/2010/06/04/jamie-andrew-tells-la-chat-grads-dont-give-up

David Proud

Copyright Moira Lawson

David Proud is an English actor. He was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair. He only began his acting career during his early twenties, having previously believed that it would be impossible for him to have a career in that field. His first professional acting role was as a wheelchair basketball player in the children's TV series Desperados. David made history becoming the first regular disabled cast member of the BBC One EastEnders.

David met Ski 2 Freedom when he was a participant of the RTE Series Two for the Road for the episode Skiing in Morzine which the Foundation had help facilitate with information and experience on the resort and the disabled skiing available via ESF Morzine. "I just wanted to say thank you sincerely for making my time in Morzine such an amazing experience of a lifetime. I am delighted that you have set up Ski 2 Freedom to be able to assist disabled people like myself."

I hope that you will be able to boost the profile of Ski 2 Freedom in the UK, as I know many disabled people will benefit from your advice and support to be able to actively participate in family holidays in the Alps. Ski 2 Freedom will help to make skiing accessible to all. After spending time witnessing your working relationship with the service providers in the resort it is clear to see that you have a passion for integration of disabled people. I am delighted to be a Patron and support your work and I hope to see you soon on a mountain that I never thought I could climb"

David is also a Patron of Whizz Kids, Jubilee Sailing Trust, Shine, Scoot-a-long, Phab

Kelly Gallegher MBE & Charlotte Evens MBE

In order to empower more people to push the boundaries, the association is delighted to have Ambassadors who embody self confidence.

Paralympian Kelly Gallagher's gold-medal-winning skiing in Sochi has already inspired many people who are blind or visually impaired to take up mountain challenges. Charlotte Evans is Kelly's ski guide and has also become an Ambassador.

Charlotte's role as Kelly's guide has inspired many people to contact us about how to help blind and visually impaired skiers on the slopes.

Snow Magazine featuring Kelly Gallagher MBE (Article by Daniel Elkan) - download PDF

Max and Archie Cosby

Max Cosby is one of Alexandra Cosby's brothers and one of her greatest supporters! He therefore brings his own experiences to Ski 2 Freedom along with a love of skiing and the mountains, understanding how these two can be combined to bring joy, revitalisation and a true sense of well-being to individuals and families. Max has been serving in the MOD in London and is now currently undergoing flying training for the Navy.

News:

Lieutenant Max Cosby, trustee of Ski 2 Freedom Foundation, shared his thoughts on being the brother of a severely disabled sister with Rett Syndrome with readers of HOMEPORT - the magazine for the Naval Families Federation Autumn 2012. Max had spoken at the FANDF Conference held in the Ministry of Defence in May 2012 on this subject and his comments gave delegates an insight into how someone grows up in a Royal Naval family where there is disability.

"If you have a disabled child or sibling within your Naval family then I hope these words will be of comfort to you. The most worthwhile support that my family received was with SSAFA holidays. I have grown up in a Naval family with a severely disabled elder sister and am now a serving officer myself..... read more

Ambassadors for Ski 2 Freedom Foundation – Mountains for All

Having Ambassadors to help promote the empowering benefits of being in the mountains and wild nature, and participating in activities, both sporting and leisure, undoubtedly helps our work and encourages people with all types of conditions needing special assistance to have that ultimate life-enhancing moment.
The Foundation is delighted to have the support of:

Sam Colby
Representative for Ski 2 Freedom in New Zealand and an adaptive ski instructor

Sophie Morgan
Journalist and TV presenter who is paraplegic and a sit-skier