Outer space adventurer Trevor Beattie returns to the West Midlands to unveil a caring grassroots campaign

He’s the advertising executive behind some of the most talked-about commercial campaigns in history who fulfilled a childhood dream to travel to outer space.

One of Britain’s most influential and bold figures, Trevor Beattie rose to prominence with his iconic advertising campaigns, including ‘Hello Boys’ for Wonderbra Hello Boys and ‘fcuk’ for French Connection. 

He now works in film - winning critical acclaim with titles including Moon, Spitfire, Lancaster and the highly anticipated Midas Man (a biopic about Beatles manager Brian Epstein). 

But maybe Trevor’s proudest achievement is his trip to outer space on board the Virgin Galactic 04 mission in 2023 - fulfilling a childhood dream he wrote about in a school project at Moseley School of Art in Birmingham aged 12.

The entrepreneur, who left Birmingham for the Black Country to study graphic design at Wolverhampton University, spoke of his thrilling space adventure at the launch of the inaugural Forward Film & Television Festival at the Mockingbird Cinema in Digbeth on Wednesday (July 16).

He said: “The only thing I’ve ever really wanted to do is go to Space. At school, I created a space project and called it The Space Race. 

“When I finally got there it was the most extraordinary moment of my life. I experienced every emotion - except jealousy.”

But the loyal West Midlander has never forgotten his roots and also unveiled his plans for a caring grassroots project to help people in need this Christmas - which he is launching this autumn.

Trevor grew up in Balsall Heath with his eight siblings and said: “I didn’t even realise I was poor until I went to London and saw how some people lived.

“I have great memories of growing up in the West Midlands in Balsall Heath and at school and have kept so many friends from those days.”

Trevor credits his excellent tutors at Wolverhampton University for his big break - it was while studying there that he was awarded a scholarship to work in advertising in the capital.

Trevor’s Tons of Help campaign will see £100 crisis grants awarded to individuals to help essential needs and alleviate the added pressures of the Christmas season. People are also invited to donate to the scheme.

It is part of the Jack and Ada Beattie Foundation that Trevor set up in honour of his parents in 2011 which helps to fight against inequality. 

Trevor said: “It’s aimed at bringing a little comfort and joy in the form of a ton in the hand - wouldn’t that make Christmas grand? To show people in need that someone cares.

“Someone has to apply on behalf of an individual, family or group of people. The money is there to help people with energy bills, food and Christmas presents. It will run from October to January for anyone who is struggling or suffering and in financial need.

“There is a second part to the campaign. That is to encourage people who can afford it, to donate to the project.

“It’s a small but significant sum that can make a difference. Knowing that someone is fighting your corner is half the battle won.” 

What else is happening at the West Midlands first ever Forward Film & Television Festival?

This exciting new festival is shining a light on global and local film and TV talent.

After launching with the hilarious and inspiring sell out talk with Trevor Beattie on Wednesday (July 16). It has a host of other events for people to attend - and is backed by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.

Major festival highlights include:

• A live Q&A with Gavin & Stacey favourite Mathew Horne, 

• The Making of Adolescence — a behind-the-scenes session with the camera team behind Netflix’s global hit, and 

• A short film showcase from Brummie icon Joe Lycett, followed by an in-person discussion with the star (this has sold out). 

• The programme will also feature a selection of international film premieres, as well as local talent debuts, giving Birmingham-based filmmakers a platform to premiere their work in front of hometown audiences.

Festival co-founder Matthew Ford said:  “Birmingham’s creative scene is thriving, and Forward will showcase that talent to the world. Through projects like Reel Brum, The Mockingbird Cinema, BYFN, and Viewfinder, we’ve seen the impact storytelling can have. Forward is the next step in taking that impact global.”

For the full programme, more info and tickets go to:  www.forwardfilmfest.com

How do I find out more about Trevor Beattie’s Tons of Help grassroots caring campaign?

Trevor’s Tons of Help campaign is running from October to January to help people in the Midlands in need of help at Christmas with £100 grants.

In a previous campaign grants were exclusively available through safeguarding referees, including social workers, education officers and housing officers. 

This strategic approach underscored the foundation’s commitment to prioritising low-income and vulnerable households that lack adequate support systems.

A poignant example from previous years included a single mother with a disabled son who applied for a grant after struggling to afford gas, electricity, food, and even a winter coat for her child. Her distressing situation highlights the urgent need for support that many families face during the festive period.

To find out more about the campaign to nominate someone - or to donate go to Tons of Help