Rev Celia Apeagyei-Collins
Celia is the founder of the Rehoboth Foundation, an organisation offering, among other things, leadership development and consultancy for the fulfilment of both individual and corporate vision. She also runs a mentoring network for leaders passionate about community transformation.
Celia believes every person has a unique gifting and is capable of bringing about change for kingdom advancement.
A regular speaker at events worldwide, Celia has also served as a pastor and the principal of a Bible college. She is a Council member for Churches in Communities International and has been listed as one of the influential black Christian women in the UK serving the church.
Guvna B
Guvna B is a double MOBO Award winning rapper, author and broadcaster, who is widely considered an influential and important voice within British rap music because of his inspiring, uplifting lyrics and views on youth culture.
His 2020 album ‘everywhere + nowhere’ amassed over 30 million streams, whilst his 2021 book ‘Unspoken: Toxic Masculinity and How I Faced the Man Within the Man’ became an Amazon bestseller.
Guvna B has presented many radio and TV documentaries including BBC’s Gospel Meets Hip-Hop, and appears regularly on Sky Sports News’ Good Morning Transfers and The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2.
Guvna B is a fan of West Ham, and lives in London with his wife and son Ezra.
He says: ‘I support Tearfund because they don't just want to be heroes and fix things, they want to make sure things aren't broken in the first place. We live in a world filled with not only broken things, but broken people and something needs to be done. Tearfund has a heart for the disadvantaged and so do I. I'm especially excited to encourage young people to make lifestyle choices that will create a better environment for the future.’
Peter Chambers
Peter Chambers is a former Olympic rower for Great Britain who won Olympic Silver in the lightweight Mens' 4s at the London Olympics 2012. He competed in Rio 2016, and now trains the next generation of rowers.
In 2013, Peter and his brother Richard traveled to Uganda with Tearfund to see if they could carry jerry cans filled with 20 litres of water up a mountain, a quarter the height of Mount Everest.
Peter lives with his wife, Wiz, and daughter in Henley upon Thames.
Rev John and Anne Coles
John and Anne are known for their leadership of New Wine from
‘Tearfund and New Wine both passionately believe that the local church is the means of bringing God’s renewal, joy, hope and peace to individuals and communities,’ says John. ‘We want churches in our network to learn from Tearfund’s extensive experience and understanding of ministry amongst the poor, international aid and development, and advocacy.’
The couple led St Barnabas Church, Finchley, for 22 years, seeing it develop from a small quiet group, into a vibrant multi-national church committed to mission and church planting. They now help lead a missional congregation meeting in a home, and enjoy mentoring and encouraging others engaged in similar pioneering missional work.
John and Anne have four adult married children and 6 young grandchildren.
Martha Collison
Martha Collison rose to fame in the 2014 season of the BBC's The Great British Bake Off. As the youngest ever contestant at just 17 years old she made it all the way to the quarter finals, while also studying for her AS Levels. Now a columnist for Waitrose Weekend, she has written two recipe books titled Twist and Crave, and also blogs at bakingmartha.co.uk.
In 2015 Martha visited Tearfund partners and projects in Thailand and Cambodia where she met young women her own age and saw Tearfund's work to prevent child trafficking.
'I’m extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to see Tearfund’s anti-trafficking work up close in Cambodia,' said Martha. 'To be able to trace the steps of girls my age who have had a very different, horrific life, to raise awareness for this work is truly powerful.'
With the Christian faith behind it, Tearfund gives hope to people whose lives have been destroyed since childhood. I think that’s quite hard to undo, but God can heal broken lives.’
In March 2018, Martha travelled to Lebanon to see Tearfund's work first-hand; she visited refugee families in the Bekaa Valley, saw non-violent conflict resolution work in local schools, and met with a pastor working to support the needs of those in Aleppo, Syria.
Liz Earle
Liz Earle MBE is a British writer, TV presenter and award-winning entrepreneur. She has written over 35 books on beauty, nutrition and wellbeing and is regularly seen on ITV’s This Morning. She is the founder of Liz Earle Wellbeing, a bi-monthly magazine, and Liz Earle Fair and Fine, a Fairtrade jewellery brand. She also co-founded the Liz Earle Beauty Co, now owned by Walgreen Boots Alliance, in 1995. Liz is passionate about natural health and wellbeing, the environment and sustainability and attributes the Christian values of “love your neighbour” to inspiring her own charity and campaign work.
In October 2018, Liz travelled to Ethiopia with Tearfund to see firsthand the impact of self-help groups in rural communities. Liz met women who have been empowered to lift themselves out of poverty, through collective saving schemes and training in business and income-generating skills.
'I’m delighted to support the valuable work of Tearfund and its local teams, having seen first-hand what an extraordinary difference they make to real people’s lives. I’ve been so inspired with the comprehensive way people are given the skills and resources to lift themselves out of extreme poverty – empowered to build sustainable businesses that bring positive, life-changing benefits to entire communities.'
Pete Greig
Pete is a best-selling author, pastor and one of the founding champions of the 24-7 Prayer movement. He leads Emmaus Rd in Guildford having previously served for seven years on the senior leadership team at HTB and Alpha International in London. Pete's publications include Red Moon Rising, God on Mute, The Prayer Course and Dirty Glory. He loves live music, decent coffee, Portsmouth FC and art galleries. Pete is married to Sammy and they have two sons.
According to Pete, ‘The greatest NGO on earth today is undoubtedly the church of Jesus Christ. By working through partnerships Tearfund harnesses the power of up to 2 billion Christians to change the world in quiet, rooted, measurable ways. As a pastor, I appreciate the way Tearfund values the heroic vocation of local churches. As a prayer leader, I appreciate the intelligent spirituality that underpins Tearfund’s social engagement. And as someone with a passion for justice, I am grateful to Tearfund for enabling me to be part of something bigger than my own postcode. Together we can care for the poorest people on earth, fight injustice, heal communities and even rebuild nations.’
Tamsin Greig
Tamsin Greig is an award-winning actor of stage and screen as well as being a long-time supporter of Tearfund. Tamsin is well known for her roles in TV series such as Episodes, Friday Night Dinner, Black Books, and Green Wing. She starred as Jean Whittaker in James Graham’s play, Labour of Love, and played Malvolia in Twelfth Night at the National Theatre to critical acclaim. Tamsin has several BAFTA nominations, has received a Royal Television Award for Best Comedy Performance and an Olivier award for her portrayal of Beatrice in the RSC's production of Much Ado About Nothing. Tamsin has visited Tearfund partners and projects in Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, India and Lebanon.
'I support Tearfund because I have seen for myself how communities can transform themselves, as they are supported and encouraged by a worldwide network of partners. I love the way Tearfund partners with local churches and communities to help them change their worlds, as they reach out to the most marginalised and vulnerable people.'
Bear Grylls
Bear Grylls entered the records books as the youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest, aged only 23. Since then, Bear, an ex-SAS soldier, has led ground-breaking expeditions all across the world. Bear's gift for communication has led him to become a world class motivational speaker, No 1 bestselling author and TV host of one of the most watched programmes on earth: Man Vs Wild, which reached over one billion viewers. Bear has taken celebrities such as Kate Winslet and Barack Obama on expeditions through the wilderness and in 2009 was appointed the youngest ever Chief Scout in the UK aged 35.
Bear combines his passion for adventure with tireless work to support and raise money for causes like Tearfund that are close to his heart.
David Gyasi
Actor David Gyasi has played roles in critically acclaimed productions across stage, television and film.
In 2005, David played the part of Francois in the BAFTA nominated feature Shooting Dogs, based on the experiences of BBC news producer, David Belton, who worked in Rwanda during the Rwandan Genocide. David has since taken to the stage, notably in the National Theatre's multi-award winning production of War Horse, and has appeared in films including The Dark Knight Rises, Cloud Atlas and Interstellar. David was the lead in the US TV series Containment, has featured in TV dramas White Heat, Murderland and Dr Who and most recently starred as Agreus in Amazon’s Carnival Row.
'I love that Tearfund’s work is more than just a sticking plaster, it’s about working alongside people with the goal of enabling them to have the confidence to take decisions that will shape their lives. It is a vision of unlocking potential, ensuring a future that’s better than the past.'
Lord Dr Michael Hastings
Lord Dr Michael Hastings of Scarisbrick CBE is the former Global Head of Citizenship for KPMG International and, as of February 2017, the second Chancellor of Regent’s University London.
Michael was the BBC's Head of Public Affairs and first Head of Corporate Social Responsibility. He is a Trustee of the Vodafone Group Foundation and was a non-executive Director of British Telecom (on the Board for Responsible and Sustainable Business) for nine years.
In 2005, Michael was awarded the honour of an independent peerage to the House of Lords by Her Majesty The Queen. In 2010 he was a leading advisor to the Chatham House enquiry into the Future Role of the UK in Foreign Affairs. Michael sits on the Council of the Overseas Development Institute in the UK and the Centre for Global Development in the USA. Michael is President of ZANE - a development aid agency focused on Zimbabwe.
Michael is a Vice President of UNICEF and an Ambassador for Tearfund.
Tom Herbert
Tom is a fifth generation baker on a mission to remind us of grain’s awesomeness, maximising taste, nutrition and impact. One half of Channel 4’s Fabulous Baker Brothers, Tom has won Young Baker of the Year among numerous awards. Originally from Hobbs House Bakery, Tom has baked with RCK in Calais and Ujima Bakehouse in Kenya. A teacher, author, presenter and speaker, Tom is married to Anna and they have four children. Tom has visited Tearfund projects in Laos, Brazil and witnessed the work of Tearfund partners in Kenya.
'Baking is in my genes and there was never any doubt as to what I would do for a living, but for the children I met in Laos there is very little choice. Through their partners Tearfund are shining the light and the love of Jesus in a very dark place. In truly wretched and horrific situations, their currency is hope.'
Rev Siew-Huat Ong
Pastor Osh Ong was the Senior Pastor of a network of Chinese churches in London-CCiL (Chinese Church in London) until 2015, when he retired after 32 years of service. CCiL is an active partner with the PAG Church in Uganda through Tearfund. He is on the EAUK Council and on the Board of COCM (Chinese Overseas Christian Mission), a sister organisation of CCiL. He served as a local Diocesan school Governor and was a former Director of an International Mission based in Hong Kong.
Osh is passionate about Global & Integral Mission and Discipleship in the local church, mentoring younger leaders and equipping the next generation. He is married to Grace and has a daughter, Rachael.
Ruan Pienaar
Ruan Pienaar is a professional rugby player, currently plays for the Free State Cheetahs. Ruan represented Ulster in the Pro 12 league from 2010 to 2017 playing 100 club games and scoring 659 points. He has won 88 caps for South Africa, is a World Cup Winner (2007) and played 3 tests against the British & Irish Lions in 2009.
Ruan has been supporting Tearfund for a number of years and has taken part in many fundraising events, including a 90km 'Cycle for Freedom' which he completed with former teammates Craig Gilroy and Rob Herring.
Rt Hon Dame Caroline Spelman
Rt Hon Dame Caroline Spelman joined Parliament in 1997 as Conservative MP for the West Midlands seat of Meriden. Dame Caroline held a number of posts in Opposition, including Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, and Chairman of the Conservative Party. From 2010 to 2012 she was Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. She is married to Mark and they have three children.
Dame Caroline travelled to Bangladesh with Tearfund in 2014.
Rt Rev Ric Thorpe
Ric began his ministry in 1996 as a curate at Holy Trinity Brompton. In 2005, Ric and his wife Louie, led a church plant to revitalise St Paul’s Shadwell. Over the course of 10 years St Paul’s planted four other Anglican churches and congregations in East London. Ric has had a wider role as the Bishop of London’s Advisor for Church Planting and Tutor in Church Planting at St Mellitus College.
‘I have experienced first-hand the impact of Tearfund's work in East Africa where individuals and communities have been transformed by their work with and through local churches and partners. As a church leader and as a Christian wanting to make a difference, Tearfund has enabled me to play a simple part in something much more profound that has a lasting legacy on families, communities and churches. As a result, I have found it is changing me too. I am honoured to do what I can to promote this work.’
Ric is married to Louie and they have three children.
Rt Hon Stephen Timms
Having entered Parliament in 1994, the Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms is currently the Member of Parliament for East Ham. He is also the Labour Party's Faith Envoy. He was the Shadow Minister for Employment from 2010 until September 2015 and currently chairs the Work and Pensions Select Committee. Sir Stephen was formerly Financial Secretary to the Treasury with strategic oversight of taxation as a whole, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs and European and international tax issues. Sir Stephen is also a member of the Ramblers Association and the former Chair of Christians on the Left. He lives in the East London Borough of Newham, and is married to Hui-Leng.
Sir Stephen travelled to Bangladesh with Tearfund in 2014 and Tanzania in 2018.
Will Torrent
Will Torrent is one of the UK’s top chocolate experts with an award-winning patisserie background. He has worked with some of the UK’s most well known chefs, as well as appearing on TV shows including Sunday Brunch, The Apprentice, Blue Peter and Songs of Praise. He works as a Patisserie and Chocolate consultant for Waitrose and is the author of three best-selling books. Will is married to Francesca and lives in South Buckinghamshire.
In March 2018, Will traveled to the Ivory Coast to see Tearfund's church and community mobilisation work on the ground supporting cocoa farmers and buyers.
Marvin Rees
Born and raised in Bristol, Marvin Rees was elected mayor in May 2016 and reelected in May this year, making it the first major European city to have elected a mayor of Black African heritage.
After beginning his working life with Tearfund, he left to work in the US with Sojourners with Reverend Dr Tony Campolo. He is a Yale World Fellow and graduate of Operation Black Vote, and is a former BBC journalist, public health worker and voluntary sector manager. He co-founded the City Leadership Programme and has developed the One City Plan for Bristol.
As Mayor, Marvin has led city-wide campaigns on child hunger and is leading the city’s response to both the climate and ecological emergencies. He is passionate about uniting mayors and other leaders to bring about the decarbonisation of cities across the world and the global south.
Laura Young
Laura is an environmental activist who is passionate about climate justice issues. Based in Glasgow, Laura is an ethical influencer under the name @LessWasteLaura. She is an environmental scientist by degree, but has joined her passion for the outdoors, academic background and faith to pursue justice through everyday living and activism. Laura's social media platforms continue to grow, creating a community of activists and she is in demand as an expert voice in the media in conversations about climate, waste, sustainable fashion, and environmental justice issues.
Laura says: 'Tearfund has been an integral part of my own journey learning about justice and poverty, and God's call for us to be a part of his restoration plan. As a young person I took part in many of the young and emerging generations events, before becoming a volunteer, then staff member, and now I am honoured to be an Ambassador for the amazing work of Tearfund. This organisation empowers partners around the world to build up communities, mend brokenness, and seek justice, all through the global, local, church, challenging systems of oppression and speaking out on the most important issues of our time. I am particularly inspired by the work done globally by Tearfund and partners as they seek to bring awareness to environmental and climate justice issues.'
