Nottingham broadcasting legend Mark Dennison has been appointed Patron of local charity Forever Stars, which is dedicated to providing support for families affected by baby loss and miscarriage.
Well-known for his mid-morning slot on BBC Radio Nottingham, as the matchday host and stadium announcer at Nottingham Forest, Notts TV presenter, and compere of Forever Stars’ fundraising Charity Black Tie Balls, Mark’s long association with the charity began soon after Richard and Michelle Daniels set-up Forever Stars 10 years ago following the stillbirth of their daughter, Emily.
“To become Patron of Forever Stars is a real honour,” says Mark. “I am absolutely delighted.”
Recounting when Richard Daniels asked him to become the charity’s Patron, Mark explains: “It was a very special moment. My wife and I joined the Forever Stars’ annual picnic at the Serenity Garden at Nottingham’s Highfield Park Nottingham, which the charity officially opened in July 2021.
“This is such a special place for so many people, especially for my wife and I, who often visit the Serenity Garden to reflect and remember our son Niall, who we lost shortly after he was born in November 1999.
“I was completely taken aback when Richard asked me that day to become the charity’s Patron. I am honestly so honoured and thrilled to take on this role, especially given my long connection with the charity, which began when I first interviewed Richard and Michelle for BBC Radio Nottingham shortly after they created Forever Stars.
“I am excited to continue highlighting the charity’s incredible, important, and valuable work, and as Patron, to play an even greater role in building on and developing its efforts. For now, I am helping Richard and the team to drive forward the plans and goals for specific projects both this year and those in the not-too-distant future, in particular the ‘Supporting 1 in 4 for 2024’.
“This flagship fundraising campaign for the charity’s 10th anniversary year aims to raise £50,000 to renovate and improve Ward A23’s clinical and non-clinical areas at Queen’s Medical Centre Nottingham.”
Richard adds: “I am absolutely thrilled that Mark has agreed to become the charity’s Patron. He has been an unwavering and dedicated supporter of Forever Stars pretty much from day one. His support has always been and continues to be invaluable, and we have become great friends over the last ten years.
“We owe so much to our Patrons and army of dedicated volunteers and trustees, who work tirelessly behind the scenes and give so much time to the charity every single month.”
Forever Stars’ next fundraising event is a skydiving challenge on 26 July. Levi Bradley, Callum Tighe and Omar Baird of Levi’s Barbers in Beeston, Ben Wright of Skinvasion in Toton, and Ella Peck, Joab Bryan and Abi Hallam, take to the skies in aid of the 1 in 4 Campaign. To date, donations exceed £1,000. To donate, visit their JustGiving page: JustGiving – Levi Barbers Skydive
Mark Dennison is a radio presenter and events host with over 30 years’ experience. He first came to Nottingham in the late 1980s to study humanities at Nottingham Trent. He then worked voluntarily for Nottingham Hospitals Radio, before working at Trent FM in the early 1990s, and joined the BBC in 2010.
During his time with the BBC, he hosted a broadcast while on a week-long trip along the Trent and canals by boat, and live from Sarajevo to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Torvil and Dean’s Olympic triumph.
Forever Stars is a charity dedicated to supporting families living in Nottingham and the wider East Midlands who have suffered a stillbirth or infant loss. Michelle and Richard Daniels created and founded Forever Stars in May 2014 following the stillbirth of their daughter Emily on 19 December 2013.
Forever Stars’ mission is to promote and protect the health of parents affected by stillbirth or other perinatal or neonatal death of their child or children, and in particular, to relieve suffering and emotional distress amongst such parents.
A dedicated team of volunteers runs the charity, and fundraises and campaigns to improve the bereavement care for parents, families and their loved ones. Forever Stars was officially given charity status by the Charity Commission in England (reg no. 1156990) on 9 May 2014.
