Meet our Patrons
Raymond Blanc
Raymond Blanc OBE is one of the world’s most respected chefs. Entirely self-taught, his influence on British cuisine has earned numerous awards, including the National Order of the Legion of Honour for promoting French gastronomy in the UK.
Born in Besançon, France, Raymond came to Britain in 1972 as a waiter, where a chance moment in the kitchen launched his culinary career. He went on to open Les Quat’Saisons in Oxford before realising his vision in 1984 with Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire. The restaurant and hotel have retained two Michelin stars for an exceptional 41 years and are home to the Raymond Blanc Cookery and Gardening Schools.
A passionate mentor, Raymond has guided over 30 chefs who have gone on to achieve Michelin stars. A best-selling author, BBC presenter, entrepreneur, and President of the Sustainable Restaurant Association, he has also been a committed supporter of SeeSaw Grief Support for over 15 years, strongly believing in its vital work helping young people.
Mike Brewer
Mike is a well-loved television presenter, car dealer, journalist, media personality, and author, best known as the face of the iconic motoring series Wheeler Dealers. He has received multiple honours, including the Royal Television Society Awards for Best In-Vision Personality and Broadcast Journalist of the Year (twice), and in 2000 was part of the team that set a British 24-hour Land Speed Record in a Volvo S60 T5.
Mike’s connection to SeeSaw is deeply personal. After losing his elder brother Brian to cancer in 2010, he found bereavement support through supporting others and working alongside the SeeSaw team. Today, Mike and his wife Michelle proudly continue to support SeeSaw and raise awareness of its vital work.
Virginia Grant
Ginny began her career as a nurse and midwife before retraining as a barrister. She first became aware of SeeSaw Grief Support in 2003 following her husband Francis’s premature death and the subsequent bereavement of their two young children. Although SeeSaw had only been founded three years earlier the help and support it provided was truly incalculable, and she was profoundly honoured to be asked to become a Patron in 2006. She continues to support SeeSaw as a small way of acknowledging the kindness and compassion her family, and so many other families, have received thanks to SeeSaw’s extraordinary work.
Simon Williams
Simon is an actor, playwright, novelist and columnist, best known for his performances as James Bellamy in Upstairs, Downstairs and Justin Elliott in The Archers. He has appeared in numerous stage productions and has written and directed several plays. His novels Talking Oscars and Kill the Lights are bestsellers, and he is a popular columnist whose work has appeared in The Oldie, The Telegraph Magazine and The Guardian.
On becoming a patron, Simon says: “The symptoms of grief in young people and families may not be immediately visible but they can hurt badly and run deep. They need caring and professional support. That is why I am proud to support SeeSaw in Oxfordshire.”
