the royal pinner school foundation
Helping the children of travelling salespeopleI feel that it is a great honour
to have been elected Chairman of our Foundation, and I trust that we shall
continue to be effective in providing educational support for children of
travelling sales people during times of adversity. Many years ago, when I was
experiencing a tricky time with my career, I was fortunate to receive a series
of grants primarily to assist my youngest daughter, Claire, with her education
and specialist swimming training. Royal Pinner’s assistance, at a crucial stage
of Claire’s education, was invaluable. Claire went on to graduate from Leeds
University as well as to participate in the Paralympic Games held in Athens,
Beijing, London and Rio – where she won a Gold Medal. Obviously, our Royal
Pinner grants were withdrawn when Lottery funding became available, but we shall
be forever grateful for the support we received at a critical stage of Claire’s
development. Being in receipt of support is one side of the Trust and, since
becoming a Trustee several years ago, I have also seen the other side – helping
to alleviate the hardships encountered by our beneficiaries and new applicants –
and I have felt very humbled. Most of our families face and endure far more
difficult circumstances than I did, but, on the other hand, I have also seen how
effective our grants and pastoral support can be. Our focus remains on the sons
and daughters of commercial travellers where there is also a specific need or
hardship, and we aim to continue to provide effective educational support during
the years to come.
