Our Patrons

Francis Benali (MBE)

Francis (affectionately known as Franny) is an English football coach and former Premier League player for local team, Southampton FC.

Franny has built up a great reputation as an inspirational and motivational speaker, covering topics such as working through hardships, leadership and developing a tough mindset.

He has always been an animal lover and is really passionate about the steps RSPCA The Ark take to rehabilitate and care for vulnerable animals. Franny attends our events, shares our key campaigns on his social media channels, and often pops along to meet the staff and animals here at the centre.

Amanda Piper 

A well known face on breakfast TV, Amanda has been a newsreader on ITV Meridian for over 20 years! 
 
An avid animal lover, and dog parent herself, Amanda has been our Patron since 2023. She often pops in to the Ark to have a cuddle with some of the animals up for adoption.
 
Amanda is a great advocate for the Ark and a great support at our events. She also frequently shares features and news stories with the ITV Meridian viewers to help spread awareness of the animals we have up for homing. 

Jane Dunn

A successful blogger, photographer and food writer, all four of Jane’s baking books are number one Sunday Times bestsellers. She own’s and runs the company and brand, Jane’s Patisserie. 

Jane, who grew up in Portsmouth, is an animal lover, who adopted her two cats from us here at the Stubbington Ark. 

She is also one of the pod sponsors of our brand-new cattery. 
Jane helps us with events and social media content, as well as generally spreading the word about the great work the team do here at the Ark. 
 

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