Why I Give

I believe that children deserve safety, stability, opportunity, and the chance to grow into themselves - regardless of the circumstances they are born into. My philanthropic focus is simple and intentional: to support charities that work directly to improve the lives of children - particularly those affected by poverty, neglect, illness, trauma, or disadvantage. This is not about recognition or visibility, it is about responsibility, empathy, and long-term impact.

Influenced by personal tragedy in years gone by (my tragic loss of my own dear sons) I focus my efforts solely on good causes which dedicate themselves to improving the life of children and I am delighted that I am also in a position to be able to start laying the foundations in preparation for the launch of my own Charitable Foundation.

Why Children Are My Focus

The early years of life shape almost everything that follows. A child’s sense of safety, trust, confidence, and possibility is formed long before they have language for it. When those foundations are damaged or never properly established the effects often persist into adulthood, regardless of intelligence, effort, or resilience.

Children who experience instability or harm early in life are more likely to face challenges in education, health, relationships, and economic security later on. Conversely, timely support can alter life trajectories in ways that compound positively over decades. Supporting children is therefore not only compassionate; it is preventative, restorative, and socially responsible.

Purpose and Responsibility

I believe that contributing to the wellbeing of children in need of help and support that for whatever reasons can not be provided by their parents and carers is not an act of generosity so much as an act of responsibility.

Children inherit the conditions created by adults - economic, social, emotional, and environmental - without having any meaningful influence over them. Where those conditions fall short, I believe it is incumbent upon those who are able to help to do so thoughtfully, consistently, and without expectation.

My focus is centred on supporting charities that work directly to protect, support, and improve the lives of children, particularly those affected by disadvantage, instability, illness, trauma, or neglect. This focus reflects a belief that early support is among the most effective ways to reduce long-term harm and expand opportunity across an entire lifetime. My work is undertaken quietly, deliberately, and with care.

Guiding Principles

My approach to philanthropy is shaped by a small number of guiding principles:

• Early intervention matters - helping sooner reduces harm later
• Dignity is non-negotiable - children are not problems to be fixed
• Listening matters - those closest to the work often know best
• Consistency matters - impact is built over time, not moments
• Humility matters - good intentions do not replace good outcomes

These principles influence both where my support is directed and how it is given.

Areas of Focus

Support is directed toward organisations working in areas that have a direct and lasting impact on children’s lives, including:

Child Protection and Safeguarding

Charities that work to protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm, and that uphold the highest safeguarding and ethical standards.

Education and Early Development

Initiatives that improve access to education, early learning, and developmental support - particularly where children face structural or economic barriers.

Physical and Mental Health

Organisations providing medical care, mental health services, trauma-informed support, and emotional wellbeing resources tailored to children’s needs.

Family and Caregiver Support

Recognising that children thrive best when caregivers are supported, stable, and resourced to provide safe and nurturing environments.

Early and Preventative Intervention

Programmes that identify risk early and intervene before challenges become entrenched or irreversible.

Preference for Grounded Work

I am particularly drawn to charities that work close to the ground - organisations embedded in the communities they serve, where decision-making is informed by lived experience and local knowledge.

Smaller or less visible organisations often deliver exceptional impact with limited resources. Where governance, safeguarding, and effectiveness are strong, scale is not a prerequisite for meaningful change.

How Charities Are Selected

Giving is intentional rather than impulsive. Before supporting an organisation, I consider:

• Mission clarity - is the purpose focused and child-centred?
• Evidence of impact - how does the organisation understand and evaluate its work?
• Safeguarding and ethics - are children protected with rigour and care?
• Governance and accountability - are funds managed responsibly?
• Long-term thinking - is the work designed to endure and adapt?

I remain cautious of initiatives that prioritise growth, branding, or visibility at the expense of effectiveness.

Approach to Giving

My approach is deliberately understated.

• Giving is planned and regular, not reactive or episodic
• Support is provided without expectation of influence or recognition
• My aim is to enable work, not direct it
• Quiet continuity is preferred to visible gestures

Where possible, I favour organisations that strengthen capacity, empower families, and reduce long-term dependency.

Scale, Means, and Perspective

Philanthropy is often misunderstood as something reserved for extreme wealth. I do not share that view. Meaningful giving is defined not by size, but by intentionality, proportionality, and consistency. Contributions are made within my means, but with seriousness and continuity. Over time, this approach allows my support to compound and relationships to develop. Giving is not treated as a transaction, but as an ongoing commitment.

Learning, Review, and Adaptation

Effective philanthropy requires reflection. I regularly review where my support is directed, and remain open to evidence that challenges assumptions, and adjust decisions as understanding deepens. This includes acknowledging when approaches fall short or when better alternatives emerge.

Listening to practitioners, carers, and communities is central to my process.

Ethics and Boundaries

Supporting children carries a profound ethical responsibility. I do not seek control, visibility, or credit. I do not expect outcomes to align with personal preferences, nor do I assume expertise over those doing the work. Autonomy, consent, dignity, and safeguarding are fundamental.

Children are not beneficiaries of generosity; they are individuals deserving of care, respect, and protection.

On Visibility and Recognition

This website exists to provide transparency and to encourage others, not to invite praise. I am conscious that philanthropy can easily become performative when centred on the giver rather than the work. For that reason, my help and support is given discreetly, and I avoid detailed attribution or emphasis on scale.

I measure of success by whether children are better supported than they would have been otherwise without my help.

A Personal Reflection

Philanthropy, for me, is not an identity or a project. It is simply one way of engaging responsibly with a world where opportunity is unevenly distributed.

The real credit belongs to those who show up every day for children: carers, teachers, health professionals, social workers, volunteers, and community organisations. My role is limited, but it is sincere.

An Invitation

Any questions? I welcome you to contact me and if my website prompts reflection, encourages thoughtful giving, or leads someone to support a children’s charity they believe in, then it has served its purpose.