Fern is an English footballer who plays for FA WSL club Notts County. She previously played for Liverpool and Evertonin her native Merseyside. She has represented England women’s national football team at youth and senior level. A quick central defender, Whelan was named the FA Women’s Young Player of the Year in 2008.

Scouted for England at the age of 13, Fern has played for her country in all age groups – from the under-15s, under-17s,  and under-19s, right through to the under-23s and seniors. She captained the under-19s and under-20s in the European Championship and World Cup, and made her England debut in 2009.

Fern played for Everton Ladies from 2005 until their relegation in 2014, at which point Whelan signed for Notts County on a two-year contract.

“I became an ambassador for Savong Lives because I wanted to be a part of raising awareness for such a great cause,” says Fern. “My family are originally from Africa – and as HIV is so prevalent there, Saving Lives felt like the perfect opportunity to help.”