Whilst Michael supports and raises awareness of many charities, he holds specific roles at the following
Variety, the Children’s Charity
Variety provides practical support that makes an immediate difference to children and young people under the age of 19, providing practical and tangible help. They provide grants for specialist and bespoke disability equipment (including wheelchairs that aren’t available through Government services), adapted accessible transport to SEND schools with Variety’s iconic Sunshine coaches, and memorable days out for disadvantaged children living in poverty.
The Silver Line
The Silver Line is a free confidential telephone helpline offering information, friendship and advice to older people in the United Kingdom, available 24 hours a day. As of 1 October 2019 The Silver Line joined forces with Age UK to help more of the older people who are struggling with loneliness and isolation.
Liverpool Sickle Cell Thalassaemia Support Group
An independent charity representing people with sickle cell and Thalassaemia conditions, their families, carers and friends around Merseyside and Chester. This condition is the fastest growing genetic condition in the UK significantly impacting mostly African and Caribbean heritage. Sickle cell patients suffer from vaso occlusive crisis, causing severe pain due to lack of oxygenated blood reaching vital organs. It results in severe bone pain, reducing mobility. Infections can happen and anaemia needs frequent blood transfusions.
Jak’s World
Jak’s World is a suicide prevention charity established in memory of Jakub, who tragically died of suicide on February 2nd, 2023. Founded by Ronak and Kasia, Jakub’s parents, Jak’s World supports young people who, like Jakub, may face significant challenges as they navigate life. Their mission is to provide essential emotional and practical services, helping youth access career and education advice, music production resources, and mental health support.
Brain Tumour Research
Brain tumours are indiscriminate. They kill more children than leukaemia and any other cancer – but Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this. The charity’s team of world-class scientists at the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at The Institute of Cancer Research is dedicated to improving outcomes for paediatric brain cancer and accelerating more therapies into clinical trials, while at its Centre at Queen Mary University of London, researchers are working to discover gentler, more effective treatments for childhood brain tumours.
Cure Usher Syndrome
Cure Usher Syndrome is dedicated to transforming the future for individuals and families living with Usher Syndrome, an inherited condition that involves both hearing loss and visual loss caused by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). A proportion of patients also experience difficulties with their balance. Their mission is bold and clear: to deliver lasting, equitable impact and empower those affected to live fuller, brighter lives.
Home Community Cafe
Home exists to help the local community thrive by offering a safe, welcoming space for everyone – alongside a fantastic calendar of events designed to support families, older people, and beyond. At its heart is a vegetarian café, much loved by parents and carers thanks to its child-friendly facilities and secure outdoor area. Home also provides a free-to-use community space, The Living Room, where a wide range of inclusive activities take place every week, from Farsi language classes and storytelling sessions, to the Hearing Voices Group and the Death Café. Its volunteer programme is incredibly popular and oversubscribed, with long-standing connections to organisations such as Bridge College, Lancasterian School, the Down’s Syndrome Association and L’Arche. Throughout the year, Home supports around 30–40 volunteers, many with additional needs, offering meaningful roles that build skills, confidence, connection, and wellbeing
Jolly Josh
The Jolly Josh Centre is a safe, inclusive space for children and young adults aged 0–19 living with complex medical needs and physical disabilities. Jolly Josh is more than just a centre – it’s a lifeline for families. Through a mix of play, social, and hydrotherapy-based sessions, they help children, parents, carers, and siblings connect, grow and thrive together. Their mission is simple but powerful: to create a community that embraces diversity, celebrates every achievement, and offers unwavering support every step of the way.
