Greenham Common Trust Announces Paralympian Danny Crates as Keynote Speaker for Pitch to the Panel

Paralympian, Danny Crates, who enjoyed a glittering international career in athletics, has been announced as this year’s Greenham Common Trust’s Pitch to the Panel guest speaker.

Chris Boulton, Chief Executive of Greenham Common Trust, said: “Danny is the perfect choice for our event and we were delighted he was able to accept. He has proven how determination and an indomitable spirit can overcome any situation, and we hope his spirit will inspire others.”

Danny Crates lost his arm in an accident when he was just 21 years old. His determination saw him move into Paralympic sport where he swiftly beat the competition. In Athens, 2004, he won gold in the men’s 800 meters T46 final, and set a new world record.

Since retiring from international athletics, Danny has carved a new career as an inspirational speaker, motivating others to achieve what he knows is possible. This is why he has been named as one of the top five speakers in 2016.

Danny said: “I’m looking forward to speaking at Greenham Common Trust’s Pitch to the Panel event, and meeting the unspoken heroes behind many local causes.

“The intention of my speech is to show that there are no such things as real limitations. I believe in hard work and resolve, and I will discuss the five elements of my own success that I truly believe can work for anyone who wants to achieve a goal.”

This can only spur on those who are beginning the application process for this year’s competition.

Once again, up to six charities will hope to impress a panel of judges, and win a share of £100,000.

One charity, Dingley’s Promise which was successful last year, knows the value of being able to access funds and boost their profile.

They approached Pitch to the Panel to secure £14,995 in funds, which paid for a new Family Support Worker, Sheril Candland.

The charity’s CEO, Catherine McLeod MBE, said: “Sheril has already made an impact on the children and families. The purpose of the Family Support Worker is to help families with any challenges or difficulties that they might face as a result of the additional needs which their child might have.

“Frequently, some families who have a child with additional needs, will feel that attempting a visit or trip out is such a daunting experience that they do not even try it. With the help of Dingley staff and specifically, Sheril, they feel able to make their first outing. Following this, they then have the confidence to try on their own. The camaraderie and the support of other families and the Dingley team give encouragement to other families so that they feel less isolated.”

Catherine went on to say that she would encourage any charity to apply for Pitch to the Pane; and aim to go before the panel of judges.

She said: “The benefits are enormous. Not only do you have the chance to secure the funding to complete a project, but you also get the additional publicity for your cause. On the night we were able to meet people from so many other local charities and they learned about us, the way we were able to learn about them.”

This year’s event will be on Wednesday, November 9, at the Corn Exchange. The evening will see all elements from Newbury’s community, meet, talk and exchange ideas.

For further details of the event and full terms and conditions please visit www.pitchtothepanel.com or email [email protected]