"We want to do our bit however we can" - Beverley Knight 'thrilled' to become Wolves Foundation ambassador
The Wolves Foundation have announced that internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress Beverley Knight MBE has become the latest ambassador for the charity.
Knight, who remains proud of her Wolverhampton roots throughout her career on stage and screen, has pledged to support the Foundation in raising awareness of its extensive work across the city.
She was officially welcomed during a video conversation led by close friend and fellow ambassador Suzi Perry, with the pair reflecting on their childhoods in Wolverhampton, their respective career journeys and their shared passion for giving back to their home city.
“You go anywhere in the world, you’re going to find a Wolves fan,” Knight said. “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 storm 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.”
Perry, who is approaching two years in her ambassadorial role, spoke warmly of her friend’s appointment and the pride they both share in representing Wolverhampton on a global stage.
A former pupil at Smestow School in Castlecroft, Perry recalled crossing paths with Knight – who attended Highfields School in Penn – during a performance of West Side Story at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in their youth.
“I think we have both flown the flag globally for Wolverhampton as we are really proud of where we have come from,” Perry said. “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.
“And Wolves is the beating heart of Wolverhampton, both for the football and the work of Wolves Foundation.
“The complexion and the landscape of Wolves Foundation is incredible when you look at all the different projects. 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.”
Director of Wolves Foundation, Will Clowes, said: “Beverley has already supported us at several different events, and her energy, enthusiasm and passion for helping others form such a powerful combination.
“Despite the incredible success she has enjoyed, she remains humble, approachable and willing to share her experiences to inspire others. Everyone at the Foundation is really looking forward to working with her.”
Knight returns to the West End stage this weekend in Marie & Rosetta before embarking on her Born to Perform UK tour in June, which fittingly concludes at the University of Wolverhampton at The Halls. She will later reprise her Olivier Award-winning portrayal of Emmeline Pankhurst in the acclaimed hip-hop musical Sylvia, including performances at the Birmingham Hippodrome in October.
In her new role, Knight is keen to support a variety of initiatives, particularly those linked to music and mental health. She has expressed interest in contributing to projects such as Head 4 Health, as well as using music as a means of connecting with and inspiring young people across the city.
