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.