Who was the biggest inspiration you met during the making of the show?
Jayne at Gleadless Valley Community Forum single-handedly runs the most amazing service for elderly people - many of whom would undoubtedly have a much poorer quality of life without her support. During the snow last winter (2010), which was well over a foot deep in Sheffield, Jayne walked for two hours each way to ensure she could provide services for her clients.
Another person I found truly inspirational was Sam at The Cathedral Archer Project. Sam has the most incredible rapport with the clients using the service and always finds ways of ensuring that they are able to seek help and find the support they need. No matter how difficult someone's situation is, Sam is committed to helping people break away from their extremely complicated lives.
Has being on the programme changed your outlook on life?
The most important realisation was how innocent young children become victims of their parents' condition and how they are brought into a way of life over which they have very little control, creating the potential for history to repeat itself.
Do you feel that businesses have a role to play in helping charities?
I strongly believe businesses have an important role in helping charities. They can bring the same drive, initiative, understanding, finance and a different kind of network to help charities fulfill their objectives. Furthermore, I believe businesses can learn a lot from charities.
What are your favourite memories?
A young lady, with an extremely difficult life and huge loss of self-esteem, taught me not only how to skate, but also to trust her not to let me fall - which she didn't. Also seeing a group of extremely noisy ladies reluctantly settling down to an art class. Within a few minutes, they were very creative and producing beautiful work. And, most importantly, in total silence.
Have you been in touch with the services since the programme was filmed?
Since filming, I've visited Jayne and Lisa at Gleadless Valley and talked about the new minibus. I've also met up with the team at the Cathedral Archer Project - it was great to catch up with Sam and see how she was getting on. Also, I've met with Dawn at Grace Tebbutt House, as well as all the Trustees from the charity, to discuss how I can assist them with their programme and maintain the continuity of their services. As part of this, I introduced them to a team of specialists who will help with the lobbying and communication of their needs to the local community.
It is my hope that when the programme is shown, we will be able to help all the incredible people I met, who make such a difference to people's lives, to raise awareness of their projects and their fundraising.
Dr Chai Patel is Chairman of Court Cavendish and Founder Partner of Elysian Capital. He is Deputy Chairman of the Care Management Group and Chairman of English Landscapes.
Alongside his commercial activities, Dr Patel's family foundation, the Bright Future Trust, is an active supporter of a wide range of organisations enabling young people to fulfill their potential and overcome challenges. In 2011, he was awarded 'Social Entrepreneur of the Year' at the Asian Business Awards.
