Barnardo’s Secures Record £18 Million Donation for Youth Support
The Katherine Martin Charitable Trust provides largest single donation in Barnardo's 160-year history to expand the Gap Homes programme.
Children’s charity Barnardo’s has announced a historic milestone following the receipt of an £18 million donation, marking the largest single contribution in its 160-year history.
The donation comes from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust, established in memory of Katherine Martin, a prominent businesswoman and racing driver in the 1920s who played a significant role in shaping the Aston Martin brand and was known for her philanthropic efforts focused on children and young people.
The donation will primarily fund Barnardo’s Gap Homes programme, which aims to provide suitable accommodation and support for young individuals leaving care.
Currently, there are eight Gap Homes operating across the UK, and this significant influx of funding will enable the organization to construct an additional 15 homes in locations including Lincolnshire, Birmingham, and Glasgow.
Plans are also underway to develop a further 30 homes in the future.
Alison, a young individual whose name has been changed for privacy, shared her experience with the Gap Homes initiative.
After spending several years in care, she transitioned to a Gap Home at the age of 16 and recounted her previous struggles with unstable housing conditions.
Alison described the drastic difference she has experienced since moving into a Barnardo’s home, expressing gratitude for the stable and supportive environment it has provided.
Lynn Perry, the CEO of Barnardo’s, emphasized the monumental significance of the donation, stating, "This extraordinary donation from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust is monumental for Barnardo’s. We believe it’s the largest single gift in the charity’s history and it’s hard to express just how much of an impact that will have for so many young people."
John Richards, chair of trustees for the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust, highlighted the importance of Katherine Martin’s legacy.
He remarked, "Katherine Martin was a remarkable woman who believed in the power of philanthropy to change lives.
This significant donation is a testament to her enduring legacy.
We are privileged to continue her mission of supporting children and young people and are delighted that Barnardo’s will use this gift to provide vital support to those who need it most."
The donation comes from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust, established in memory of Katherine Martin, a prominent businesswoman and racing driver in the 1920s who played a significant role in shaping the Aston Martin brand and was known for her philanthropic efforts focused on children and young people.
The donation will primarily fund Barnardo’s Gap Homes programme, which aims to provide suitable accommodation and support for young individuals leaving care.
Currently, there are eight Gap Homes operating across the UK, and this significant influx of funding will enable the organization to construct an additional 15 homes in locations including Lincolnshire, Birmingham, and Glasgow.
Plans are also underway to develop a further 30 homes in the future.
Alison, a young individual whose name has been changed for privacy, shared her experience with the Gap Homes initiative.
After spending several years in care, she transitioned to a Gap Home at the age of 16 and recounted her previous struggles with unstable housing conditions.
Alison described the drastic difference she has experienced since moving into a Barnardo’s home, expressing gratitude for the stable and supportive environment it has provided.
Lynn Perry, the CEO of Barnardo’s, emphasized the monumental significance of the donation, stating, "This extraordinary donation from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust is monumental for Barnardo’s. We believe it’s the largest single gift in the charity’s history and it’s hard to express just how much of an impact that will have for so many young people."
John Richards, chair of trustees for the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust, highlighted the importance of Katherine Martin’s legacy.
He remarked, "Katherine Martin was a remarkable woman who believed in the power of philanthropy to change lives.
This significant donation is a testament to her enduring legacy.
We are privileged to continue her mission of supporting children and young people and are delighted that Barnardo’s will use this gift to provide vital support to those who need it most."
