Paralympic judo champion Chris Hunt Skelley MBE has taken on a new role supporting the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity.
The Tokyo 2020 gold medallist has become an ambassador for the charity, joining his wife Louise, who already holds the same role.
Chris, who has lived with sight difficulties since childhood and was diagnosed with oculocutaneous albinism at 19, represented Great Britain at two Paralympic Games.
He won gold at Tokyo 2020 before adding a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. After retiring from competitive judo in 2025, he has turned his attention to coaching, mentoring and motivational speaking.
He said becoming an ambassador was “something I’m incredibly proud of”.
“Since stepping away from elite competition, I’ve been passionate about using my experiences to inspire others, promote inclusion and accessibility, and give back to the communities that have supported me throughout my journey,” said Chris.
“Through coaching, mentoring and speaking, I aim to show how resilience, determination and the right support can help people achieve their potential.”
Chris and Louise have also had personal experience of the work carried out by Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, making his new role particularly meaningful.
The charity provides critical care by land and air across Wiltshire, Bath and surrounding communities, operating for up to 19 hours a day, 365 days a year.
“Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity provides a vital, lifesaving service across our local communities, helping people at some of the most critical moments of their lives,” Chris said.
“Myself and my wife Louise, who is also an ambassador, have had personal experience with just how brilliant the Charity is at the most difficult moments, so I’m honoured to now play a role in supporting its amazing work.”
As an ambassador, Chris will help raise awareness of the charity’s work, support fundraising campaigns and encourage people to get behind the service.
“For me, being an ambassador is about using my platform to raise awareness, support fundraising and champion the incredible team behind the service,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity to give something back to my local community and help ensure this lifesaving service can continue to be there when people need it most.”
Barbara Gray, Chief Executive of Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, said Chris had already been a strong supporter of the organisation through community events.
“It has been a real privilege to have Chris’ support over the years, alongside his wife Louise who is also an ambassador, at our events in the community,” she said.
“He has represented Great Britain at the highest level of his sport and has also given so much back to the local community through his mentoring and public speaking.”
She added that the shared commitment of Chris and the charity to supporting local communities made the ambassador role a natural fit.
Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity relies entirely on donations from the communities it serves to fund its lifesaving work.
Chris will now use his profile as a Paralympic champion and his experience as a coach and mentor to help the charity reach more people and raise the funds needed to keep its service operating.
