Oldham's Kelvin Fletcher becomes ambassador for disability charity

Date published: 16 February 2021


Oldham actor and Strictly champion, Kelvin Fletcher, has joined Coronation Street actress Kate Anthony as ambassadors for the Speed Of Sight charity.
 
Speed Of Sight is run by blind race car driver and multiple World Record holder Mike Newman and his co-founder John Galloway. The charity hosts driving experiences for children and adults of all ages with disabilities.
 
Kelvin, best known for playing Andy Sugden in Emmerdale for 20 years, has also been racing since 2012 across various European and British championships, including BTCC and most recently GT4 Champion in British GT alongside fellow charity ambassador Martin Plowman.
 
Kelvin said: “I’m very excited to be joining the Speed Of Sight family, the work it does is incredible and I just hope I can help it in any way possible. I’m very honoured to be one of the ambassadors and know I’m in great company, including my team mate and motor racing business partner, Martin Plowman.
 
“While I’ve not managed to go on one of the Speed Of Sight driving events yet, it’s something I’m looking forward to doing at the earliest and safest opportunity.
 
“Driving is an incredible experience and the thrill of driving a racing car is indescribable, so for people who come to Speed Of Sight events who can’t drive a ‘regular’ car, they must be over the moon. Driving is such a typical thing for me, but for people whose disabilities prevent them from driving, it gives them a unique experience that I’m sure they’ll cherish for the rest of their lives. That’s why I’m so passionate about supporting this charity and all of the incredible work it does because it makes something that might have been impossible, possible and that’s something we should celebrate and encourage.”
 
Kate Anthony, who is probably best known for her character ‘Auntie Pam’ Hobsworth in Coronation Street over several years, has also joined the charity as an ambassador.
 
She commented: “Speed Of Sight is a charity that I’ve known about for a little while now, but I was thrilled when I was asked to be one of its ambassadors! The amount of people it helps with these driving experiences is astounding.

"I’ve watched the YouTube videos and you can’t help but smile with pride at them, but also very humbled that something you take for granted can bring people such joy. It’s not always easy when you have to make a decision about which charities to support more than others, but Speed Of Sight was an easy decision for me to make.
 
“I know that 2020 was tough on everyone, the guys at Speed Of Sight have told me that the majority of donations disappeared and it was a struggle. But I’m confident that this year will be a better one for everyone, including this amazing charity. I’ve spoken to the co-founders, Mike and John, about what I can do and their plans for this year and I’m ready to get stuck in and help wherever I can!”
 
Kelvin and Kate join other high profile people who have become ambassadors for the charity, including racing drivers, Martin Plowman and Moh Ritson, TV motoring presenter, Vicki Butler-Henderson, automotive entrepreneur and former Chairman of Aston Martin, Andy Palmer and the charity’s Patron, Gina Campbell.
 
Speed Of Sight runs events which empower disabled people of all ages. Find out more about the charity at www.speedofsight.org


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