The Lord Wandsworth Foundation names former international rugby star and broadcaster Ugo Monye as the charity’s first patron. 

For over 100 years, the Foundation has, from its beautiful North Hampshire campus, supported children who have been bereaved of one or both parents or who have lost their support through other circumstances. These children benefit from the stability, structure, and pastoral care provided by its award-winning boarding environment. The Foundation remains as relevant today as when envisaged by its founder, Baron Sydney Stern, the Lord of Wandsworth.

Since its inception, the Lord Wandsworth Foundation has helped over 2,500 young people who have had a difficult start in life. As the Foundation enters its second century, it is with great excitement that it announces the appointment of its first Patron, the celebrated former international rugby player and popular broadcaster Ugo Monye.

Monye, who himself benefited from the support of the Foundation, is a testament to the transformational potential of the charity. On leaving the College, he embarked on a highly successful rugby career, earning 14 caps for England and being part of the British and Irish Lions 2009 tour of South Africa. Following his retirement in 2015, Monye became a well-respected television and radio personality, captaining a team on the BBC’s ‘Question of Sport’ quiz show. In 2021, he was appointed chair of the Rugby Football Union’s independent advisory group on diversity, co-chairs the National Physical Activities Taskforce, and also sits on the board of the Women’s Sports Trust.

On his appointment as the Foundation’s first patron, Monye commented, “I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to play a role in the Foundation’s story. This is a charity close to my heart, as the Foundation supported me through my schooling. Lord Wandsworth College opened up so many opportunities for me, gave me an incredible education, and got me to pick up a rugby ball for the first time! I am so excited to help shape the future for the next generation.”.

The Foundation shares Monye’s excitement and looks forward to a fruitful and valuable partnership.