Meet our incredible Ambassadors
Grand Appeal Ambassador
Prof. Andrew Wolf
Introducing Professor Andrew Wolf, a retired Consultant, turned dedicated fundraiser and one of The Grand Appeal’s Ambassadors.
After qualifying from Cambridge University in 1980, Andrew trained in paediatrics and anaesthesia, before spending time as a lecturer in the 1980s. In 1995, Andy returned to Bristol to help build a new paediatric cardiac programme at Bristol Children’s Hospital and for over two decades, has worked tirelessly to care for the hundreds of children and babies who came from across the South West, South Wales and beyond for lifesaving cardiac treatment each year.
Grand Appeal Ambassador
Paula Banks
Meet Paula Banks, a truly remarkable Mum and one of The Grand Appeal’s Ambassadors.
In 2008, at just nine years old, Paula’s son Jack sadly passed away after a courageous five-year battle with Leukaemia.
Together with her friends, family and colleagues, Paula has created an astounding legacy in Jack’s name, for the children’s cancer ward at Bristol Children’s Hospital.
More about Paula
Paula and her family set up the Jack Banks Star Tribute Fund with The Grand Appeal. Initially, they set a target of £5,000, but thanks to her natural ability to motivate and inspire, they have raised over £200,000 to date in Jack’s memory. Not only has Paula organised and taken part in numerous events, raising both money and awareness of the cause, she has also been a fantastic volunteer for the charity.
Jack’s legacy is everywhere you look on the children’s cancer ward; fundraising in his memory has created the new modern playroom and integrated conservatory, refurbished the kitchen and upgraded the isolation rooms for bone marrow transplant patients. It has also created a very special and important helping hand for children going through difficult treatments in their cancer fight: Captain Jack’s Treasure Chests. These treasure chests are filled to the brim with toys, so children undergoing scary and unpleasant treatments can choose a special treat.
Grand Appeal Ambassador
William Booth
Who better to join our team of Ambassadors than William Booth; former Matron for children’s intensive care and cardiac services.
William qualified in Manchester and Oxford. Following a commission in the Royal Air Force he worked at the Bristol Children’s Hospital from 1990 until he retired as the Matron for children’s intensive care and cardiac services in 2017.
During his NHS career, William made exceptional contributions to national standards for the care for critically ill children and bereavement. He was Chair of the Royal College of Nursing, Paediatric Intensive Care Nurse Managers Community for many years.
For over 20 years, William has worked alongside us and we are delighted to have the support of such a dedicated and passionate children’s healthcare professional. William continues to work with us, in his role as an ambassador in his retirement, both volunteering at events and sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for the hospital with our supporters. William also volunteers for a children’s heart charity caring for infants and children who have undergone heart surgery overseas.
