Former member of British girl band, Sugababes, and Dancing on Ice and musical theatre star, has become an Ambassador for Right To Play. The international organisation uses all forms of play – music, dance, theatre, poetry art and sport, to educate vulnerable children in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Right To Play protects, educates and empowers over 2.3 million disadvantaged children each year across Africa, Asia and the Middle East using the power of play. Inside the classroom, Right To Play games help children to actively engage in their lessons, enhancing their learning. Outside of the classroom, they play through sport, music and dance to gain critical life skills.

As a mother of a 22-month old daughter, Heidi will be an advocate for gender equality and is the first Right To Play Ambassador with a background in music, dance and theatre. Traditionally, all Right To Play Ambassadors have been athletes including Heidi’s close friend, former British skier, Chemmy Alcott who championed Heidi to get involved with Right To Play’s work.

Heidi states: “I’m honored to be an Ambassador for Right To Play, especially as it’s truly a unique charity which harnesses play to transform children’s lives. As a mother, I feel passionately about the importance of play in a child’s development. I am proud to be lending my voice to raise awareness of the plight of vulnerable girls around the world. Every child deserves the opportunity to play, to learn and thrive. I’m excited to work with Right To Play and help them continue their inspiring work and I’m looking forward to an exciting year ahead as they celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2020.”

The launch of the partnership coincides with Universal Children’s Day on 20 November.

“I’m pleased to welcome Heidi as a Right To Play Ambassador. With her impressive musical and theatre credentials coupled with being a mother herself, Heidi understands the positive impact that music, theatre and dance as forms of play can have on a child. Heidi will be an excellent advocate for Right To Play and we are thrilled she’s come on board to shine a light on our pioneering work,” says Nimtaz-Tanya Noordin, Senior Communications Manager, Right To Play UK.

Heidi joins a leading group of Right To Play Ambassadors, who embody the best values of play and help raise awareness and funds for the children in Right To Play programmes.