Left to right: Andy Reid MBE; Tim Woodhead, Rathbones; Mel Sproston, CEO of CCF; Nina Barbour; Clare Hayward, High Sheriff; Rowland Flower, Rathbones.
On the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, supporters of Cheshire Community Foundation enjoyed an event hosted by Bolesworth Castle, with VIP access to Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival. The Community Foundation’s Supporters’ Club, The Cheshire 100, are local people and businesses who make an annual donation to the foundation, supporting their work with grassroots charities to address community needs such as poverty, hunger and isolation. The event was sponsored by Rathbones and featured a welcome from The High Sheriff of Cheshire, Clare Hayward, a few words of introduction from Nina Barbour, Managing Director of Bolesworth Estate and an update from Cheshire Community Foundation, bringing Cheshire 100 members up to speed with current needs and priorities in Cheshire and Warrington.
Impressionist and comedian Rory Bremner made a surprise appearance, describing the event as “truly inspirational”.
In line with the D-Day anniversary, the charity speaker for this event was Andy Reid MBE, of The Standing Tall Foundation, a charity which supports the physical and mental wellbeing of the community.
In October 2009, Corporal Andy Reid MBE stepped on a Taliban improvised explosive device while on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Injured so badly that it was thought he would not survive, he defied the odds to the extent that, within a month, he was able to meet up with members of his patrol again.
Since then, as a triple amputee, he has gone on to carry out many arduous challenges to raise money and give back to the associations that helped him and his family through difficult times.
Standing Tall Foundation have received a £17,550 grant from Cheshire Community Foundation’s Unlocking Brighter Futures programme, to work with veterans in the probation system, supporting their wellbeing and thereby reducing reoffending. The project was funded by a CCF donor, who is passionate about reducing reoffending and supporting offenders after release.
“At Standing Tall we are dedicated to supporting veterans, and this project supporting them in the probation system will have an enormous impact thanks to the grant through Cheshire Community Foundation. I’m proud to attend this event for the Foundation’s supporters, on the D-Day 80th anniversary.
We all strive for a home where everyone can thrive, and it’s clear that the Community Foundation is a direct route to achieving that. In the armed forces we know all about the power of working together to achieve a common goal, and the same is true in civilian life. The Foundation’s supporters are clearly passionate about making a difference locally, and it’s inspiring to hear about what’s already been achieved through their collaboration.” – Andy Reid MBE
The Community Foundation also updated its supporters on a number of recent successes including a national grants programme funded by Warrington based EMR, and Environmental Grants Programme in Cheshire and Warrington, funded by Ince based Encirc, the launch of a new geographic Fund to support charities in Warrington and progress on the Class of 2030 – Young Minds Matter, CCF’s mental health initiative for young people.
High Sheriff Clare Hayward was in attendance and said “I’m delighted to be here in great company amongst the supporters of our Community Foundation. They are the people and businesses who understand the role the foundation plays in enabling sustainable communities to thrive in Cheshire and Warrington. I share their vision and hope to empower those whose voices are seldom heard during my time as High Sheriff.”
Event sponsor Rathbones said:
“Rathbones is delighted to sponsor this event for supporters of our long-standing partners, Cheshire Community Foundation. We share the foundation’s vision of a Cheshire and Warrington where everyone can thrive. Indeed, we have a lot in common, as we are both trusted to provide expert guidance on investing for the greatest impact. The foundation’s investors are achieving a powerful social return, which strengthens the community into the future.”
Find out more about our Supporters’ Club, The Cheshire 100