Our Patrons
Helene Raynsford became the first ever Paralympic rowing gold medallist by winning the women’s single sculls event at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games where rowing made its Paralympic debut. Her other accolades include two Paralympic Basketball silver medals and twice winner of BBC South Sportswoman of the year. Explaining why she was so keen to join Dingley’s Promise, Helene says: “The charity does incredible work, really changing the lives of the children and families they work with giving them a supportive and nurturing environment to thrive. Having acquired my disability later in life I experienced many people placing limitations on what they expected I could achieve and I had to overcome these hurdles of people’s perceptions. I can imagine for young people and their families these perceptions might be stronger if they have an identified additional need in their early years. Thus, it is important to me that we give children the best opportunity to excel at whatever level is appropriate for them, having an engaging life with opportunities to thrive and show the world their abilities”.
Naomi Khoo used to teach at schools in Berkhamsted, Oxford and Windsor. She is Chairman of the Windsor and District Guild of the Medical Charity and The Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, (Patron HM the Queen). She is also an Honorary Member of the Windsor Medical Society and organises the Flower Ministry at St. Mary’s Church, Maidenhead, where she and her dedicated team of arrangers can bring her love of flowers to others.
Lord Brownlow CVO DL, David, is a British entrepreneur, philanthropist and member of The House of Lords.
After David graduated from Newcastle Polytechnic, having read Economics, he spent two years as a Policeman with Thames Valley Police based in Slough. He then became a recruitment consultant and eight years later, in 1996, co-founded Huntswood. Initially a recruitment consultancy, Huntswood became a specialist resourcing and consultancy firm focussed on Customer Service, Governance, Risk and Compliance. In 2013 David started his investment and trading company Havisham and in 2024 set up his third business Mintaka. David divested Huntswood in 2025.
David takes pride in the history of his charitable giving; especially his own ‘David Brownlow Charitable Foundation’. David’s tries to focus his efforts where there is disadvantage or need, be it with an individual or in a community. In addition to being one of our Patrons he is national Vice-president of UK Community Foundations and an Honoury Vice-President of Berkshire Community Foundation.
Honorary President
Dave Ormrod
Trustee since 2006 and Chair of Trustees from January 2009 – March 2021
Dave’s qualifications and early career in computing focused mainly in design and project management in a large multinational, before taking up the I.T. Director role in a large city law firm. Prior to early retirement in 2008, Dave held various senior management roles in Siemens’ business and I.T. outsourcing division.