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About Us

Our Story

A brief history of how it all began

On the 23rd August 1971 Superintendent Gerald Richardson was shot dead while attempting to arrest robbers involved in a raid on a Blackpool jewellers shop. Gerry was posthumously awarded the George Cross.

At the time Gerry was a highly regarded member of the Blackpool North Rotary Club and much thought was given by his fellow members to ways in which his memory could be honoured and perpetuated.

Gerry had a passion for youth work and shortly before his death he had been a prime mover in raising a considerable sum of money to acquire Snows Heights in the Lake District for use as a centre for young people of Blackpool and the Fylde.

Gerry's Rotarian colleagues decided to set up a trust in 1974 to expand the work which Gerry had been so dedicated. In over 40 years of existence through hard work by the Club, generous gifts and shrewd investment the Trust has become a major youth charity.

The Trust has generated sufficient funds to pursue its objectives. Since it was established, 20,629 young people – many with special needs – have been helped to pursue interests and activities, both of physical and cultural character, which they have found fulfilling and life and career enhancing.

In the process of supporting these young people, the Trust has handed out grants totalling nearly £350,000.

His legacy continues today through the enthusiasm of the existing and past Trustees.

One of the highlights of the year is the Annual Special Needs Music Festival for pupils of the six Special School in Blackpool, Wyre ad Fylde Boroughs. The concerts are both inspirational and humbling and the performers are very talented young children. We would like to thank the Harrison Family of Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green for the splendid facilities provided.

Trustees

Meet our team

Chris Hardy - null

Chris Hardy

Chair

Claire van Deurs Goss - null

Claire van Deurs Goss

Secretary

Andy Mitchell BEM - null

Andy Mitchell BEM

Trustee

Angela Butcher - null

Angela Butcher

Trustee

Christine Pickard - null

Christine Pickard

Trustee

Gareth Tupman - null

Gareth Tupman

Trustee

Jacqueline Longden BEM - null

Jacqueline Longden BEM

Trustee

John Pickard - null

John Pickard

Trustee

Susannah Clarke - Retired Ch Supt - KPM

Susannah Clarke

Trustee

Retired Ch Supt - KPM

Lee Wilson - null

Lee Wilson

Honorary Chair

In Memoriam

David Williamson - Chartered Accountant (In Memoriam)

David Williamson

Treasurer

Chartered Accountant

David served as the dedicated Treasurer of the Gerry Richardson Trust for many years until his passing in 2024. His financial stewardship and commitment to the Trust were invaluable, helping countless young people achieve their aspirations. His legacy of service and dedication continues to inspire our work.

Maureen Richardson - null (In Memoriam)

Maureen Richardson

Trustee

Maureen served as a devoted supporter and guardian of her late husband's legacy through the Gerry Richardson Trust for over four decades until her passing in 2019. As a former Revoe Primary School teacher, she brought her passion for young people to the Trust's mission, helping countless young people achieve their aspirations. Her grace, dignity, and unwavering commitment to keeping Gerry's memory alive through charitable work continues to inspire our mission.

Jeffrey Meadows - Retired Ch Supt (In Memoriam)

Jeffrey Meadows

Honorary Chair

Retired Ch Supt

Jeffrey served as Chairman of the Gerry Richardson Trust until his passing in 2018. A former Chief Superintendent of Lancashire Police, Jeffrey brought decades of leadership experience and a deep commitment to youth development. His dedication to ensuring Gerry's legacy lived on and benefited young people was unwavering. His steadfast leadership helped shape the Trust's continued mission to support young people in our community.