Jill Dando News Celebrates New Patrons with Mr Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle as Good News Initiative Expands
In a landmark ceremony at the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle hosted the announcement of new patrons for Jill Dando News - marking a significant expansion of the initiative that trains young journalists to share positive stories across the UK and world.
The project, which honours the legacy of beloved BBC presenter Jill Dando, welcomed several distinguished new patrons, including motivational speaker Ellise Hayward, Disabilities Editor for The Good News Post.
There was also Andrew Scott, CEO of the Ascot Group, one of Britain’s best entrepreneurs, and constant supporter of the initiative since its 2011 inception.
Dan Aldridge, MP, John Crockford-Hawley, Mayor of Weston-super-Mare also become a Patron along with John Penrose, former MP for Weston-super-Mare.
In the project, the reporters’ stories are posted onto the good news story platform www.goodnewspost.co.uk and shown on TVs across schools and shared with the wider Media.
John Crockford-Hawley said: “This is a huge honour. I knew Jill as a friend and there was not a nicer person in the world. She was also a brilliant journalist.
“These student reporters in her memory are changing the world one story at a time.
“We are passionate to expand this project in Jill’s memory right across the UK and world.”
The new patrons join the existing patrons including:
- Nigel Dando, Jill's brother and veteran journalist
- Mr Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle
- Nick Ross, former BBC presenter and Jill's colleague
- Emma Britton, former BBC Radio presenter and now a celebrant
The initiative's journey began in 2011 at Priory School near Jill's childhood home, before officially launching in 2017 at Worle Community School Academy in Weston-super-Mare, where Jill herself was once a student.
Following Jill's own path - she began her journalism career at age 13 - the program now empowers students aged 7 to 18 to become kind, humble and brilliant journalists focused on hope.
Operating under The Good News Post and the brainchild of Purple Sheep PR, Jill Dando News establishes school-based 'PR Positive Story' newsrooms that offer students practical experience in:
- Journalism and literacy skills
- Communication
- Leadership
- Story finding and writing
- Aspiration, ambition, inclusion and boosting self-esteem and mental wellbeing.
The initiative's ambitious goal is to train one million young journalists, extending from its Somerset origins to reach as far as Malawi.
The young reporters share uplifting stories that might otherwise go untold, continuing Jill's legacy of ethical, empathetic journalism.
They have been backed by Sir Richard Branson, two prime ministers and a host of public figures.
They have also interviewed Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Downing Street and Mr Speaker.
Jill Dando, whose life was tragically cut short in 1999, was renowned for her exceptional journalism and warm persona
Head of Jill Dando News and former classmate Liz Davis said: “Our mission is to create a new generation of journalists who, like Jill, understand the power of positive news to inspire and unite communities.”
For more information see www.goodnewspost.co.uk and to sponsor or be part of the project email Liz Davis at news@goodnewspost.co.uk
