About the panel
Gary Bennett MBE is an English former professional footballer and anti-racism activist. He was one of the first players to participate in the Show Racism the Red Card campaign. In 2022, Gary was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to anti-racism in football.
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is one of Britain’s greatest athletes. With 11 gold medals, four silvers and one bronze she is acknowledged as one of the most gifted and courageous sportswomen of her generation. Since retirement Tanni has gone on to play a prominent role in public life focusing on sport, disability, health, welfare and youth.
Serial entrepreneur Simon Jordan made his fortune in the mobile phone industry, building his company from scratch. In 2000, he sold The Pocket Phone Shop for £75 million, aged 32. He bought Crystal Palace FC the same year, becoming the youngest ever owner of a Football League club. He is also an author, presenter and restaurant owner.
Broadcaster, journalist, creator and campaigner, Charlie Webster has worked globally for major TV networks such as BBC and Sky. Her journalistic and storytelling skills have been widely recognised. She is a special ambassador for Malaria No More and advocates for mental health and domestic abuse charities. Charlie leads from behind the camera as well as in front.
Stef Reid MBE is a three-time Paralympic medallist, five-time World Record holder and World Champion track and field athlete. Having grown up with dreams of being an international rugby player, Stef’s life was turned upside down after a tragic motorboat accident as a teenager resulted in her losing her leg and very nearly her life. Determined to live life to the full, Stef opted to embrace every opportunity she could, which has seen her become a qualified biochemist (specialising in stem cell research), an actor, broadcaster and as a model she was the first amputee to ever take to the catwalk at London Fashion Week. She was also a finalist on BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef and she made history by appearing on ITV’s Dancing on Ice using a modified leg as a skating blade. Stef is the Vice President of UK Athletics and Vice President of The Leprosy Mission and is to host an event in Vatican City at the request of The Pope, promoting sport as an opportunity for good around the world.
