Wolves Foundation and Alexion, Astrazeneca Rare Disease, are delighted to announce an extension of their partnership which will see the pharmaceutical company continue to support Wolves Disability FC and Wolves Wishes for the next three years.
Alexion is a company focused on delivering life-changing therapies to people living with rare diseases, which has provided invaluable support to the Disability squad and Wolves Wishes over the last 12 months.
Alongside that backing, there have been various activations which have benefitted Wolves supporters and will continue over the next three years as the partnership continues to go from strength to strength.
“We are delighted to announce a long-term extension to our partnership with Alexion, who have been fundamental to building our reach and positively impacting the lives of so many of our participants over the last 12 months,” said Kieron Ansell, head of business development with Wolves Foundation.
“Their support of our Wolves Disability FC squad has continued to help our fantastic staff continue to deliver – and indeed improve – a project which is changing lives of people of all ages across the community.
“Their investment into Wolves Wishes also enables both the Foundation and the club to continue to provide special experiences for inspirational fans or those going through challenging times.
“Alexion are a fantastic partner to work with, and all their staff take such a keen and genuine interest in the Foundation which makes it so much more than just a partnership. We are really looking forward to the next three years.”
The partnership was launched this time last year with a special event when 11 players and two coaches from the Disability squad were given the ‘first-team treatment’, taking part in a photoshoot at Molineux with top photographer Jack Thomas.
At the time, the process was also launched for the players to design their own kit to mark ‘Rare Disease Day’, which takes place in February and is closely linked to Alexion given their focus on providing treatments for rare conditions.
This kit was then worn in the Foundation’s Focus Fixture against Aston Villa in February of this year, a spectacular rain-hit evening when the half time game ended with Wolves’ player Hugh grabbing a late winning goal.
Other activations supported by Alexion include a visit from Disability players to the Compton training ground, and a Wolves Wish where 11-year-old Alfred, who has a condition of neurofibromatosis, enjoyed exclusive access to a concert with Foundation ambassador Beverley Knight.
Alexion are once again supporting the Disability team’s two half time fixtures this season, the first of which takes place at Saturday’s game against Cardiff, and many other activations connected with the project and also Wolves Wishes.
“We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Wolves Foundation for another three years,” said Deborah Richards, Vice President & General Manager at Alexion, Astrazeneca Rare Disease.
“At Alexion, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face.
“Through our support of Wolves Disability FC and Wolves Wishes, we are helping create opportunities, celebrate inclusion, and champion equity for people living with rare conditions.
“Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community where diversity is valued, barriers are challenged, and every individual has the chance to shine.
“We look forward to continuing this journey alongside Wolves Foundation and making an even greater impact in the years ahead.”
Wolves Disability FC now run a total of eight teams in the Staffs Ability Counts League, two at under-12, two at under-16, one under-18 and three adults. Wolves Wishes deliver club-related treats or experiences to deserving fans as a result of nominations from their fellow supporters.
