Wolves Foundation are delighted to announce that world-renowned singer, songwriter and actress Beverley Knight MBE has become one of the charity’s ambassadors.
Beverley, who has forever remained fiercely proud of her home city wherever in the world her work has taken her, has joined the team of ambassadors who kindly give their time to help raise awareness of the Foundation’s work across the city.
She was officially welcomed to the Foundation by her close friend and another of the charity’s ambassadors Suzi Perry, who led a video chat with Beverley about their respective childhoods in Wolverhampton, career paths and strong desire to support their local communities. Click here to view the full video.
“You go anywhere in the world, you’re going to find a Wolves fan,” says Beverley.
“We have our ups and we have our downs, but we are one pack, and this club gives so much to the community and beyond.
“Wolves Foundation is the charitable arm of the club, and I see what it does for people. The care it shows, the impact it has on individuals, and the community it creates.
“I’ve been to the last couple of Gala Dinners where the stories I have heard are just incredible.
“I then took part in the Molineux Sleepout with my husband James (O’Keefe) in November when almost 250 people braved the crazy storm with the wind and the sideways rain to raise so much money for the Foundation and the Good Shepherd.
“We both want to do our bit, however we can, and I am thrilled to become an ambassador of Wolves Foundation.”
Suzi, now approaching two years as a Foundation ambassador, has been a passionate supporter and contributor to the work of the charity, and is delighted to welcome her friend on board.
Not least as both share so many similar experiences of life growing up in Wolverhampton, and a strong sense of pride in sticking up for the city however, and whenever, they can.
The conversation took them both back to their childhoods, where Suzi attended Smestow School and Beverley, Highfields, and a time when they crossed paths at a Grand Theatre performance of West Side Story. Memories of their respective upbringings which shaped their lives and for which they are both extremely appreciative.
“I think we have both flown the flag globally for Wolverhampton as we are really proud of where we have come from,” says Suzi.
“I certainly am, and I also hear Beverley say it all the time.
“Every city has its good parts and its bad parts but I love Wolverhampton and have actually come back now to live literally opposite where I grew up – it’s home, isn’t it?
“And Wolves is the beating heart of Wolverhampton, both for the football and the work of Wolves Foundation.
“I think the complexion and the landscape of Wolves Foundation is incredible when you look at all the different projects, and it is there for everyone, of all ages and abilities.
“I have been involved with Molineux Memories which is such a powerful group not just for the people who have dementia but also their carers – it offers respite and has become its own little community.
“The selfless people from the Foundation who help with the coaching and mentoring, it’s unbelievable and I’m thrilled that Beverley is now going to join the team and will undoubtedly deliver such a positive impact.”
Beverley is returning to the stage in Marie & Rosetta in the West End this weekend, and will then be embarking on her Born to Perform tour across the UK in June, which finishes, fittingly, at the University of Wolverhampton at the Halls.
She is then back out on the road in Autumn touring the UK with her Olivier Award-winning role as Emmeline Pankhurst in the acclaimed hip-hop musical Sylvia, including at the Birmingham Hippodrome from October 6-10.
When it comes to the Foundation, there are several different areas where she will be able to add her experience and expertise, potentially also including husband James, who delivers important work in the areas of men’s mental health and vulnerabilities.
“Another area I’d love to support is around music and the power of music and I see so much talent with young people I’d love to help develop.
“And if there is a way for me to use music to connect and to unite, especially to reach out to people who are struggling with their mental health and their wellness, that would be great.
“The Head 4 Health project delivers some incredible work and is something we are really keen to support, especially with that being James’ area of particular expertise.
"That would be fantastic for me because that's a real passion area for myself as well.”
Director of Wolves Foundation Will Clowes says everyone involved in the charity are delighted that Beverley has joined the team.
He said: “We are thrilled to welcome Beverley to the group of Wolves Foundation ambassadors, and look forward to her delivering such a positive impact on the people we work with across the city.
“Beverley has already supported us at several different events, and her energy and enthusiasm, and the passion she has for helping other people, form such a powerful combination.
“Alongside all of that, and despite the incredible success that Beverley has enjoyed, she remains to humble and approachable and willing to share her stories and experiences to help inspire others.
“Everyone at the Foundation are really looking forward to working with her.”
