SMK Patrons

Our founding five patrons all knew Sheila and play an important ambassadorial role for the Foundation:

Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP

Gordon Brown was a friend of Sheila McKechnie for over thirty years and became a patron of the Foundation at the time it was established in 2005. Gordon Brown hosted the Foundation's reception for the Sheila McKechnie Awards 2007. He has emphasised the importance of campaigners contribution to democracy in Britain and continues to support the Foundation's work to develop the next generation of campaigners.

"To fight for justice is not some abstract idea - it is far more important that that. It is a practical demand that real wrongs must be righted, that injustices be rectified, that abuses be removed and unfairnesses remedied. Let Sheila's energy, Sheila's unending courage and, Sheila's lifetime dedication to justice, inspire us and drive us forward in the days and years ahead".

Alan Grant

Sheila's partner and formerly champion of education at the Financial Services Authority.

"Sheila's eye for an issue worth campaigning about may have been largely intuitive, but her campaigns were always based on careful research of the facts, identifying practical solutions, and absolute integrity."

Rt Hon The Lord Howe of Aberavon Kt CH QC

President of Which?, former Chancellor of the Exchequer (1979-83) and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1983-89).

"The Sheila McKechnie Foundation is a welcome memorial to the values of robust, courageous and timely campaigning. These allied with tough and meticulous research and argument, were personified by Sheila McKechnie."

Baroness Morgan of Drefelin

Delyth has over 20 years experience as a campaigner and was the first Chief Executive of Breakthrough Cancer responsible for orchestrating the high level of awareness and momentum behind the issue of breast cancer in the UK. Sheila was a hugely important role model for Delyth throughout her career.

"It's time we recognised the campaigners out there whose efforts help create a better future for their communities - the people who can be bothered, who write that letter and ask that question, who organise that petition and who could do even more with support, help and recognition. The Sheila McKechnie Foundation hopes to support, empower and name these campaigners and thank them for what they do for us all."

Jon Snow

Jon is a broadcaster and writer, and currently presents the Channel Four news for ITN.

"We want to make it possible for another Sheila, another passionate informed campaigner, to break out and raise a voice from beyond organised politics on behalf of those denied rights and opportunities."