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AJ and Curtis Pritchard become Ambassadors for the British Dyslexia Association

Monday 1 June 2020

We are delighted to announce the appointment of TV personalities and professional dancers, AJ and Curtis Pritchard as Ambassadors for the British Dyslexia Association.

The talented brothers from Stoke-on-Trent are widely recognised from our TV screens, having starred in reality and talent shows in both the UK and Ireland.

AJ’s has represented Great Britain around the world, competed in Britain’s Got Talent and in 2016, joined the line-up of Strictly Come Dancing.

Curtis has enjoyed success as a professional dancer on the Ireland’s Dancing with The Stars, as well as competing in The Greatest Dancer and 2019’s hugely popular Love Island.

Both brothers discovered their dyslexia at a young age, having struggled with writing, spelling and getting information down on paper. Their own personal experiences with challenges related to being dyslexic have enabled them to develop a strong sense of empathy and a desire to build awareness about how people respond in different situations. Of their journeys so far, they said:

“Initially, I was reluctant to be tested or acknowledge I was dyslexic, as I was concerned it was a weakness; in fact, the reality is that it is quite the opposite. It has allowed me to develop my strengths such as verbal communications and expressive and emotive speaking. Over the years, I have become increasingly confident and now recognise dyslexia as having made a positive contribution to the person I am today.” Curtis Pritchard.

“Our parents not only sought extra academic support in the form of extracurricular reading classes within the school day but encouraged me to focus my energy at home doing things that I loved, such as being outdoors and creating. This meant I was learning but also developing my self-confidence. I’m certain that this has played a crucial role in my life that’s led me to becoming a confident presenter and entertainer, despite encountering challenges along the way.” AJ Pritchard.

Commenting on AJ and Curtis’s becoming Ambassadors, Helen Boden, CEO, British Dyslexia Association, said: “Thank you AJ and Curtis for joining us as Ambassadors. You are role models to so many. By talking about how dyslexia has played a role in the exceptional people you are today, you show young people with dyslexia that they cannot just succeed regardless of dyslexia, but because of it.

“We look forward to working with you to build awareness of dyslexia and inspire people of all ages with dyslexia to follow their dreams.”