Our Patrons

We'd like to introduce you to our patrons.  Their help is very important in raising the profile of Jeans for Genes.

Dr Liz Nelson OBE

Dr Liz Nelson OBE

Liz is an expert in market research and was the founding chairman of Taylor Nelson.  TNS plc, as it now is, has become the world’s third largest market research company.

She was awarded an OBE in 1997 for services to eco-labelling, which gives consumers information about the environmental impact of the products they buy.  She was also Chair of the Southwest London Community NHS Trust and Chair of Governors at Roehampton University.

She has recently retired from her position as Director at the Chronic Granulomatous Disorder Research Trust.  She is now the executive chairman of Q Research Ltd and a trustee of the  Immigration Advisory Service and the Tavistock Institute.

Liz is also chair of the fund-raising committee for the Family Planning Association and is a member of the advisory board of specialist research company, YouGovStone.

"Jeans for Genes engages people of all ages in learning about genes and about rare diseases which can be treated and increasingly can be cured."  Dr Liz Nelson OBE

Liz says,  "Jeans for Genes gives hope to all the many millions of people affected by genetic diseases.  It is an efficient charity that contributes to ground breaking research and supports people affected by genetic diseases from birth or later in life."

In her spare time, Liz sings in the St Bartholomew’s Hospital Choir, loves opera and classical music, plays bridge, entertains her seven grandchildren and two German Shepherds.

Nick Ede

Nick Ede

You'll recognise Nick from TV shows such as Living TV’s Diet on the Dancefloor, Project Catwalk and  LK Today.  He is also the director of EdeCancan; a PR, events and celebrity management company based in London.

In one of his first roles as patron, Nick was part of the judging panel who selected our winning t-shirt design from the students' entries at the London College of Fashion.

Nick is familiar with the world of genetics because of his father, Dr Donald Ede, a geneticist in developmental biology who is now retired.

"I was keen to be involved with Jeans for Genes because of my father’s input in the world of genetics and also because I find the fusion of fashion and science really interesting," says Nick.

"Fundraising has always been something I have been very passionate about and if I can do anything to improve the quality of life for anyone, I will, in my own small way!"

In his spare time Nick likes to socialise with his friends, swim and go shopping! "Yes I am a serial shopper, single-handedly keeping the economics of the high street going! I love writing and am trying very hard to start a book but I keep on getting distracted."

Donna Ida

Donna Ida

Donna Ida Thornton was born and raised in Sydney, Australia.  She came to London In 1999 and having worked as a stylist in Australia, she made the move into marketing. 

In 2006, Donna left marketing to indulge her passion for people and fashion and to realise a lifelong dream of opening her own store.  DONNA IDA was born.

Donna Ida is London’s first dedicated denim boutique.  It brings together the most exclusive designers, after Donna realised she was walking miles across the capital, visiting endless department stores and boutiques, to find the perfect pair of jeans!

"If you have a voice for any reason you should use it to help others." London's queen of denim, Donna Ida

"Fashion speaks to such a wide audience that I thought it important to use that platform to gain awareness for a great charity, and Jeans for Genes was the perfect fit," says Donna.  "I’m serious about charity work and think that everyone should do their bit.  If you have a voice for any reason, you really should use it to help others with difficulties."

Donna has very little spare time, but what she does have is spent with family and friends, usually over dinner.  She likes to walk her dog, a blonde Chihauhau called Romeo, who steals the limelight at work.  "Sometimes I wonder if the customers really come in for him," says Donna.  "I'm sure at least half of them do!"

Visit Donna's website at www.donnaida.com