Our Patrons
Baroness Golding (Patron)
MCAI has an experienced Parliamentarian as its Patron. Baroness Golding spent 15 years as an MP for Newcastle-Under-Lyme, then in 2001 on retirement from the Commons was immediately invited to become a member of the House of Lords.
Reflecting her strong beliefs in supporting children, family values and universal healthcare she has given speeches demanding improvements in child protection, the importance of a secure family unit and setting high standards of health care provision.
It is not just in the political arena where Baroness Golding brings us experience and expertise, as a former Radiographer she has worked in 23 hospitals and clinics throughout the National Health Service.
As MCAI’s Patron, Baroness Golding plays a key role as the charity’s figurehead. We are very proud to have a distinguished member of our national legislature supporting our work.
Dr John Bridson (Honorary Patron) - MB, BS, MRCP, FRCPCH
John Bridson is from the Isle of Man. After attending medical school in London he trained as a Paediatrician. He became a consultant in Barnsley in 1976 and then retired from full time work in 2000, working part time until November 2007. He has been married twice and has six children. In 1998 he joined MCAI as Honorary Country Director for Albania. In 2001 he became a Trustee, then later Chairman of the Trustees Board before retiring from the trustee board in August 2010 and accepting the role of Honorary Patron. His work in Albania has been both educational and scientific. He has close relationships with the Albanian Paediatric Association and the Albanian Ministry of Health. He has also carried out MCAI work in many other countries.
Sylvia Lady Limerick (former Patron) - CBE, MA, FRCP (Hon), FRCPCH (Hon)
Lady Limerick was our the Paton from 1998 to 2009. She is the current Vice-Chairman Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (Executive Information & Support 1971-1985). She was also the Chairman of Council of British Red Cross 1985-1995, and an elected Vice-President of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies 1993-1997; President of Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association 1984-2002.
Her experience of health care is extensive: St Bartholomew’s Hospital Board d of Governors 1974-1977; Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster CHC Vice-Chairman 1974-1977, Area Health Authority member 1977-1982; Eastman Dental Hospital SHA member 1990-1996; UCLH NHS Trust non-executive member 1996-1999; Eastman Dental Institute Committee of Management member 1994-1996, chairman 1996-99; NHNS&ION Research Ethics Committee 1993-2004.