TV presenter Paul Martin supports charity ball to raise awareness of dyslexia

TV presenter Paul Martin, known for presenting popular shows like Make Me A Dealer, Flog It! and Countryfile Diaries, has been named as the guest speaker at the launch of a charitable association to help those with dyslexia.

Paul will be joining Wiltshire entrepreneurs and business partners Darren Clark and Kelly Holbrook at the launch of their ‘spotless Association’ at theirfirst charity gala ball on Friday July 12 at the Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort. 

Business partners, Darren, 42, and Kelly, 34, who have been working together since 2011, are giving back by raisingg awareness of dyslexia – as Darren, born and brought up in Bristol, is dyslexic himself. 

The pair have rapidly grown the company’s original two businesses 'spotless Spaces' and 'Spotless Domestic Cleaning.'  Today they both sit under the spotless Group umbrella alongside a thriving training arm ‘spotless Training’ and ‘spotless Networking.’

Darren, who lives near Chippenham, explains: “My first job was as a trolley collector at Sainsbury’s. I’m dyslexic and left school without any qualifications. Over the years I’ve taught myself how to manage it. 

“School was a terrible time for me, not only because I was struggling with an undiagnosed condition, but because of the segregation and labelling I had to endure because of it.

“Today I’m a mentor and public speaker as well as being an entrepreneur. I’m passionate about reaching students who might be in the same position I was. It’s my aim to give them the confidence to put themselves forward in the work place.”

Paul Martin said: “I’m humbled to be asked by Darren and Kelly to be part of this inaugural event. We need to hear stories like Darren’s to inspire and give hope to others who struggle with dyslexia here and overseas. I look forward to meeting guests on the night.”

Darren is now an ambassador for the British Dyslexia Association and also raises awareness of those with dyslexia overseas. 

“Earlier this year I visited The Rare Gem Talent School in Nairobi. They are doing fantastic work with limited resources and need a new building. It was a life-changing moment for me. In Kenya parents have to pay for the education of their child.  

“The Dyslexia Kenya Organisation needs to raise funds to build a new school. I want to help them create a place where children like me can learn instead of being written off.”

Kelly, who supports Darren’s mission to help those with dyslexia, said: “We are splitting the proceeds and donating them locally, nationally and internationally. We are giving to the Sheldon School, Chippenham to purchase Learning aids, such as smart tablets, for the SEN department, nationally to the British Dyslexia Association and internationally to The Rare Gem Talent School, in Kenya.”

Darren and Kelly first met 15 years ago while working in retail and they set up their business partnership eight years ago. Today their company is based in Chipping Sodbury where Darren is focussed on business development. Kelly, an English literature and HRM graduate, concentrates on operations. 

The spotless Group Black tie charity gala ball will be held at the Bowood Hotel, Old Road, Derry Hill, Calne, SN11 9PQ. The cost per ticket for a sit down three-course meal with wine is £60.00 and will be held on Friday 12th July 2019 at 18:30 – 00:30.

Tickets can be booked by clicking here...