News

Athletics supporter Barrie Wells awarded his MBE

Barrie Well has been a major supporter and contributor to English athletes for more than a decade. England Athletics congratulate Barrie on his achievements as he received his MBE - awarded in the Queen's New Year 2020 Honours List in recognition of his remarkable charitable work through his charity, the Barrie Wells Trust. Heptathlon World Champion and Barrie’s good friend, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, is Patron of the Barrie Wells Trust having been supported by Barrie since the age of 15.

The Trust was founded by Barrie in 2008 and he has been the sole funder ever since. In 2009 he provided funding for 20 athletes up to the 2012 Olympics with 11 of the 20 making the first 6 in their respective sports, including Jessica Ennis-Hill winning a gold medal. In return for Barrie's support, the sponsored group provided their time to Barrie's 'Athletes4Schools' scheme which delivered educational workshops to 35,000 school children throughout the UK.

The Trust’s 'Box4Kids' initiative provides seriously ill and disabled children with VIP experiences in executive boxes at sporting and entertainment venues. To date, Barrie has motivated over 150 corporate box holders to also donate their executive box to the scheme enabling over 9,000 children and their families to enjoy a once in a lifetime experiences at over 100 venues across the UK.

Barrie says, “I am deeply honoured to have been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen in her New Year Honours List this year. With support from many wonderful people along the way, I am also privileged to be able to offer my time and funding to a cause I truly believe in. Thank you to every single person who has helped the Barrie Wells Trust over the years!”

Find out more at www.barriewellstrust.org