Charity

I’m particularly interested in charities that address social isolation and loneliness for older people. I am also keen to support causes that give young people opportunities they might not otherwise have access to.

Founded by Dame Esther Rantzen, The Silver Line is a 24×7 helpline and charity to support socially isolated and lonely older people. It receives over 1,500 calls a day from callers nationwide. Alertacall, the company that I founded to improve contact for older people who live on their own, has donated tens of thousands of pounds to The Silver Line.  My family have been involved with numerous fundraising initiatives and I served as a Trustee.

Mind Over Mountains is a charity offering professional mental wellbeing support bringing together walking in nature, mindfulness & time with experienced coaches & counsellors – in an unhurried, unpressured setting. It was founded by Alex Staniforth with whom I’ve regularly provided counsel and has received regular monetary support.

Silver Stories is a charity founded by Lis and David Carney-Haworth OBE that matches primary school age children who want to practice their reading with older people who may be isolated, so that they can be read to once or twice a week over the telephone. The impact it has on the children and the older people is magical. Alertacall sponsored Silver Stories and paid for one of their team members for more than 2 years, as well as providing technology and other forms of support.

A wonderful direct action charity founded in memory of Michelle Jurd, an inspirational RAF helicopter pilot, creative, artist, mother and wife – to raise money for adventurous and cultural activities for children in the South Lakes, as well as selected military service groups. Both Alertacall and I personally have been material benefactors of this charity since inception.

Supporting youngsters facing cancer and their families, by giving them access to opportunities to enhance their well being. The Teenage cancer trust has benefited from our corporate donations and fund-raising.

Setup by an experienced polar explorer, the Polar Academy transforms the lives of young people from typically socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, their families and communities by showing them that anything is possible. It trains them for months, then takes them to the arctic circle on the adventure of a lifetime, encouraging them to inspire thousands of other young people on their return.