Robert Buckland MP the Member of Parliament for South Swindon was announced as the newest Patron of Greatwood, the Marlborough-based Charity that uses ex-racehorses to educate children and young adults with additional educational needs.
A determined campaigner for education, Mr Buckland was awarded the Grassroots Diplomat Policy Driver Award for his campaigning work on Special Educational Needs (SEN) both locally and nationally and continues to work to help children and young people with Special Education Needs in Swindon and nationally.
He said, “I am a frequent visitor to Greatwood and I am delighted to support the excellent work they do in enriching the education of the children in their care.
“It is vital that Swindon delivers high-quality education services and support to all of its children, from pre-school through to college and beyond and Greatwood is a significant contributor to the broad range of learning opportunities available to children and young adults in the region.”
Mr Buckland joins many leading racing figures among the Partons of Greatwood including Highclere Thoroughbreds Founder The Hon. Harry & Mrs Herbert, three-times champion jumps trainer Nicky Henderson and former top jockey turned broadcaster, Mick FitzGerald.
Co-founder and Managing Director Helen Yeadon said, “Robert has been a friend of Greatwood for quite some time and we are delighted that he has agreed to join our Patrons. His passion for education is evident and I am sure his experience and expertise will be invaluable.”
Further information about Greatwood and its work is available at www.greatwoodcharity.org