Harry Gration MBE becomes patron of Paces

ONE of Yorkshire’s most recognisable faces is to become a patron of Paces, the South Yorkshire specialist centre, charity and school for children and adults with Cerebral Palsy and motor disorders.

Broadcaster and journalist Harry Gration MBE says he is ‘thrilled’ to be supporting the organisation more formally and looking forward to supporting their work, including the campaign to build a new home for Paces near Sheffield.

Harry, who turns 70 this year, has been a familiar face on television in Yorkshire for over four decades and was appointed an MBE for services to broadcasting in 2013. He has supported Paces for many years, including compering their 2019 charity ball and helping organise visits by Sheffield United.

Paces has worked with individuals living with neurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, strokes, MS, Parkinson’s, and brain injuries since 1997.

The charity teaches children life-changing skills using conductive education - such as sitting, standing, walking, speaking, communication and self-care - in an environment they can have fun, develop friendships, and feel like they belong.

Harry said: “I am absolutely thrilled to become a patron for Paces. I have supported the school and charity for a number of years and it’s a place which is very special to me.

“I want to do all that I can to support them on their fundraising journey to build a new school and centre for children and adults with neurological conditions as this will allow them to support up to three times as many families which is just amazing!

“I’m very excited to be part of #TeamPaces and look forward to working with their fantastic children, adults, families and staff.”

Spencer Pitfield, Chief Executive of Paces, said: “Harry is someone who is known and loved across Yorkshire and beyond, so I am delighted he is becoming a patron of Paces. He has long been a supporter of the work we do, and an ambassador for our charity and school, and we are thrilled he has accepted our invitation to take up the role more formally.

“We look forward to working with him as we continue our ambitious and exciting plans to build a new home so we can support more children, adults and families across Yorkshire in the future.”