Patrons

"I just couldn't believe what these kids had been through. They had been let down by the whole system. We had to do something ourselves, no one else would." - Cath Hall, founder of the Trust

Ian McKellen

One of Britain’s best loved actors, Ian McKellen is famous for film roles including The Lord of the Rings and X-Men trilogies. He also has an illustrious career in theatre and television over 50 years.

Ian was a founder member of Stonewall and has been a prominent campaigner on LGBT issues for many years. He was knighted in 1991. Commenting on his new role as an AKT patron, Ian McKellen said: “I have been an admiring supporter of the Albert Kennedy Trust, ever since I met its staff in Manchester in 1988. I am delighted now to become one of its patrons. All LGBT young people have the right to live in accepting, supportive and caring homes. The relevance of AKT, and the positive service it provides, is as great now as it ever has been. I urge those of you who are able, to join me in supporting the Trust in every way you can, particularly at this time of great need.” More information on Ian McKellen and his work can be found on his website at www.mckellen.com.

Lord Waheed Alli

Television producer, entrepreneur and politician. Following several years as a consultant in the City, Alli began a career in television with partner Charlie Parsons forming 24 Hour Productions, later Planet 24 productions. Alli was made a Life Peer in 1998, being created Baron Alli of Norbury in the London Borough of Croydon. Aged 33 he became the first openly gay peer in Parliament.

He has served on the Board of The Teacher Training Agency, The Foreign Office, panel 2000 and the Government’s Creative Industries Task Force. He is active in The House of Lords where he takes a particular interest in issues concerning equality, poverty and education.

Agreeing to be AKT’s first patron in 2002, Lord Alli said, “Being a teenager isn’t easy and it’s particularly difficult for vulnerable and socially excluded members of our community. The Albert Kennedy Trust offers young gay men, lesbians and bisexuals a unique and targeted service. My first task as Patron will be to support plans to extend these services across the UK, to help the increasing number of young people contacting the Trust.”

Julie Hesmondhalgh

Julie shot to fame when she first appeared in Coronation Street, portraying transsexual character, Hayley. The character was originally only intended to be short-term, as a love interest for Roy, but tremendous positive public reaction to Hayley, and her on-screen chemistry with Roy, convinced the producers to bring her back as a regular cast member in June 1998, which is a great tribute to the warmth and presence of Julie's performance.

Julie became an AKT patron in 2004 when she said, “I’m thrilled to be involved with such a worthwhile organisation, especially one that can fundamentally alter the lives of teenagers who have faced prejudice and exclusion because of their sexuality. With its unique and targeted service, The Albert Kennedy Trust offers support to those most vulnerable and I want to increase awareness for the Trust.”