David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is honoured to be partnered with those in the public eye that share our passion and vision for saving endangered species. Everyone we work with is committed to protecting and conserving wild animals in their natural habitats, and empowering the local communities that live alongside them to do so. From raising awareness for the projects we support and fund, to visiting our conservation partners on the frontline to put their vital work in the spotlight, we’re grateful for their endorsement and active support.
Dame Judi and her partner, David Mills, were personal friends of our founder, David Shepherd. They have honoured DSWF with steadfast support for many years. Dame Judi has been an active ambassador, regularly attending our annual Wildlife Ball and fronting our appeals.
A renowned presence on stage and screen, Dame Judi played ‘M’ opposite both Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig’s ‘James Bond’. She has also received critical acclaim for her work with the Old Vic, National Theatre, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Dame Judi has been the recipient of an Academy Award, a Tony Award, two Golden Globes, four British Academy Television Awards, six British Academy Film Awards, and seven Olivier Awards.
David Gower, renowned for his illustrious career in international cricket, has devoted much of his post-cricket life to wildlife conservation. His passion for the natural world is not just a pastime but a committed endeavor to protect and preserve our planet’s most vulnerable species.
While many know David Gower for his graceful batting and insightful cricket commentary, his dedication to wildlife conservation has made an equally significant impact. David has long been an advocate for environmental issues, leveraging his public profile to raise awareness and support for various conservation initiatives. David’s commitment to wildlife is evident through his involvement with several prominent conservation organizations.
David actively participates in fundraising events, campaigns, and public speaking engagements to support wildlife conservation projects. His efforts have helped secure vital funds for protecting endangered species and their habitats. Through his work, he has contributed to the success of various programs aimed at combatting poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat destruction.
Joanna Lumley is one of the UK’s most recognised small screen icons, from ‘Purdey’ in the New Avengers to Patsy in ‘Absolutely Fabulous’. Joanna is also renowned for her documentaries exploring the wild world and embracing her love of wild fauna and flora.
We are extremely grateful that her extensive charity work (most of which focuses on animals) includes her long-standing ambassadorship on behalf of DSWF.
Laura Wright is a talented mezzo-soprano with a strong connection to the sporting world. A distinguished athlete and record holder at county level in her own right, Laura has also become synonymous with international rugby and cricket as a singer. From performing the first rendition of ‘God Save the King’ in over 70 years at the Oval, to composing and writing ‘Heroes’ – the first official anthem of the England Women’s Cricket Team, Laura has regularly represented the best of British.
Laura is also a dedicated ambassador for several charities, including Arthritis Research UK, after fighting her own debilitating condition at a young age. We are extremely proud to count her as an ambassador and friend to DSWF. Laura has campaigned tirelessly for us, including performing the stunning and unique ‘Running for Our Lives’ at the 2023 Wildlife Ball, as well as running the London Marathon on our behalf more than once!
“I am honoured to be helping to continue David’s legacy and protecting the wildlife he loved so much. There are no short-term solutions, and we need to create an unstoppable momentum for people to get behind, ensuring the long-term protection of endangered species.”
David is a passionate and committed conservationist, producing the award-winning natural history podcast “Trees a Crowd” for which he interviewed our CEO, Georgina Lamb, in 2020.
David is probably best known as an actor of stage and screen, and will be particularly familiar to fans of television period dramas, having starred in “Victoria”, “The White Queen” and “The Pillars of the Earth” amongst others. He can currently be seen as Godwin of Wessex, father to the future king of England, Harold Godwinson, in Netflix’s “Vikings: Valhalla”.
David already serves as an ambassador for both the Wildlife Trusts and the Woodland Trust in the UK, and sees DSWF as his international interest in conservation.
Harry Rowland is a fitness instructor and former London Irish rugby player. He is a passionate and vocal supporter of DSWF, keen to share the importance of having the ‘conservation conversation’.
“I am incredibly proud to be supporting DSWF. David moved mountains in terms of raising awareness of the horrific practices carried out in Africa and Asia on endangered species such as elephants, rhinos, and tigers.
The greatest battle is building trust and understanding with local people, instilling the will to be a part of preserving these iconic animals, and teaching them how to survive – turning human-wildlife conflict into human-wildlife co-existence.
There is still a long way to go, and many more mountains to climb – but DSWF is taking giant steps forward for all of us.”
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All donations will help us continue our vital work conservation work to protect endangered species and turn the tide on extinction.
