Who We Are
We are the British Polio Fellowship – the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting people living with the late effects of polio and Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS).
Our mission is simple: to empower and support polio survivors to live full, independent, and dignified lives. We provide expert guidance, one-to-one support, financial grants, peer connection, and national advocacy to ensure every survivor is seen, heard and supported.
Founded in 1939, we are a proud member-led organisation grounded in lived experience. Whether you are newly diagnosed with PPS or have been living with the effects of polio for decades, we are here to support you throughout your journey.
Kripen Dhrona
Chief Executive
As Chief Executive of the British Polio Fellowship, I am proud to lead a national charity with such a remarkable legacy in supporting people living with the late effects of polio and Post-Polio Syndrome.
With over 26 years’ experience in marketing, hospitality and the charity sector, I’ve helped steer organisations through complex periods of change and renewal. At BPF, my focus has been on building stability, strengthening governance, and ensuring our services are inclusive, accessible and shaped by the needs of our members.
I bring a strategic mindset, a hands-on approach to operations and communications, and a commitment to transparency and collaboration. Whether we are expanding support services, improving how we communicate, or planning national events, every decision is made with our members at the centre.
One of the most rewarding parts of this role is visiting branches and national events, where I get the chance to meet polio survivors and hear their stories first-hand. These conversations are powerful reminders of why the Fellowship exists and why it must continue to evolve to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s members.
My aim is simple: to ensure the Fellowship is not only here for those who need us today, but ready and able to support every polio survivor who may need us in the future.
Together with our staff, trustees, volunteers and supporters we are creating a stronger future for the polio community. I’m honoured to be part of that journey.
Dr Gordon Richardson MBE
National Chairman
I contracted polio back in the 1950s aged three years whilst living in Hong Kong. Initially I was almost totally paralysed, retaining the use of my right eyelid only, but as with most survivors I regained some muscle use in my head, shoulders and arms. Other than this I have been paralysed below the shoulders and consequently a full-time wheelchair user.
I joined the Fellowship many years ago my memory fails me as to just when but for a long time I did not have time to be involved with the local branch and was a Central Office member. Following retirement though, I attended a number of AGMs and was persuaded by a Bristol branch member to join them and take a more active role, which I did. Later I was invited to join the Western Region committee and subsequently was also appointed Vice-Chair of the Bristol branch.
Local members became more and more concerned about the way the Fellowship was being run and it became clear that if we were not happy, it was up to one of us to stand as a trustee and I was asked to do this on behalf of the Western Region.
I hope to be able to bring 20 years’ experience running charitable trusts to the Fellowship, together with my general understanding of financial matters (both accounting and investments) and my lived experience as a polio survivor.