Best known for his appearances dancing with partner Janette Manrara in the 2019 edition of Strictly Come Dancing, Will Bayley is also the World Number 1 Paralympic table tennis star – and he’s agreed to join the MERKUR UK team!

Will is bringing his infectious personality, energy and enthusiasm to his new role as MERKUR UK’s first Brand Ambassador and will help in the development of the industry acclaimed MERKUR Initiative programme which has provided financial support to 44 community-based charities and good causes over the last 12-months.

Welcoming Will to the MERKUR UK family, General Manager, Sascha Blodau said: “It’s a total pleasure to have the World Number 1 join our winning team at MERKUR UK!

“Will has a remarkable story. He was born with arthrogryposis a rare congenital disorder that affected all four of his limbs and from the age of just three months underwent numerous operations at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

“At the age of 7-years he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and returned to Great Ormond Street to undergo chemotherapy. It was during his recovery that his grandmother bought him his first table tennis bat and the rest as they say is history.

“He has gone on a remarkable and inspirational journey to become the most successful British Paralympic Table Tennis player of all time and was confirmed as the World Number 1 at a recent tournament in Finland.

“His fascinating story also includes a period attending the Brit School for performing arts and drama as well as being made an MBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours List.”

“Will has overcome so many challenges and demonstrated unbelievable courage and determination to get where he is.

“His motto is ‘Inspire: Believe: Achieve’ and I look forward to working with him on a programme of activities not least our inspirational MERKUR Initiative scheme which has already helped 44 charities and good causes nominated by our venues for their outstanding work in the community.

“It is a great honour for MERKUR UK to be supporting Will as he prepares for the Olympics in Paris 2024.”

Speaking at the photo-shoot to launch the partnership Will added: “I am really looking forward to working with Sascha and the team at MERKUR UK. The work they are doing in the community is outstanding and I hope to be able to contribute my insight and life experience, working alongside the team to identify recipient charities, see how they are progressing and do what I can to help.

“The photo-shoot was really good fun and it took place just days before I won the tournament in Finland to be confirmed as World Number 1. I really can’t wait to get started!”