Andrew Baker MBE BCAv
Play2Give Founder and CEO
Community Action
Brain injury survivor and founder of award-winning fundraising organisation, Play2Give, Andrew Baker has been fundraising for charities in Oxfordshire since the age of 14.
Born with a brain injury in 1988, a further head injury and a brain surgery was the inspiration for Andrew to begin giving back, in thanks to the remarkable medical teams who cared for and treated him throughout his childhood.
Andrew, who was honoured with an MBE by Her Majesty The Queen in this year’s New Year Honours and is an ITV Meridian Fundraiser of the Year Pride of Britain runner-up in 2019, has raised over £310,000 in nearly 20 years of dedicated campaigning. He was recognised by the Prime Minister with a Points of Light Award for his exceptional work across Oxfordshire, and after being bestowed with a British Citizen Award in 2017 he became an Ambassador for the awards scheme in 2019. He is now also an Ambassador for includability.co.uk.
In 2007, Andrew set up Play2Give, to continue the work he started as a schoolboy. The organisation was named Charity of the Year at the Thames Valley Business & Community Awards in 2020
Andrew faces daily challenges as a result of his disability but his motivation to change, transform and save lives drives him on. Andrew has organised a range of fundraising events and campaigns. Leading a dedicated and passionate team of volunteers, together they have supported charities including the Oxford Children’s Hospital, the Headway Oxfordshire rehabilitation centre, Ronald McDonald House in Oxford, Sobell House hospice and many more.
No matter what your disability, never let it stop you from achieving. Live your dreams, and your hopes and dreams will come to you. From my experiences and overcoming my challenges in life, it just shows what one young person with a brain injury can conquer. I am very honoured to be on the Disability Power 100 2021, I see this as an appreciation of thanks to all those who have supported, got behind and help me in all that I do as without them, Play2Give would not have grown as strong as it has today. It is always a team effort, and I hope that my story will influence and inspire other people with disabilities and barriers.”
