The Rob George Foundation

Another RGF Champion We were delighted to hear that RGF grantee Alice, recently competed in the English Trampolining Championships and came away the champion, along with her partner. Their success came in the synchro category. In the individual category, things didn’t quite go Alice’s way, but still managed a very impressive 5th place. However, only this weekend Alice bounced back and finished as individual champion in the League finals. Alice’s very proud family have been in touch and told us: “We are all extremely proud of what Alice has achieved, and it is the result of years of dedication and commitment. Alice began trampolining at the age of eight, starting at regional level and progressing to the Elite team this year. “Without funding from The Rob George Foundation, we would struggle immensely to fund Alice’s level of trampolining. “As a family, we would like to thank you for supporting Alice’s venture and look forward to keeping you updated with her progress.” The RGF are delighted to play a part in Alice's success, and we’re grateful to her family for sharing this exciting update. Congratulations, Alice — here’s to even more inspiring milestones ahead.

It’s a Circus Life for Tabitha Earlier this year aspiring professional circus performer Tabitha, was successful in her application for a grant to help her fund a pre-professional training course. Tabitha’s mum, Veronica, has been in touch with a thank you and update on Tabitha’s progress. She told us: “Tabitha is currently doing about 8.5 hours a week circus work with a mix of acrobatics/aerial/equilibristics/trampolining and handstands and strengthening. She has been undertaking some assessments and goal planning as well as conversations about which universities to go on to that may best suit her skills. Tabitha has decided to choose 'aerial hammock', 'trampolining' and 'rola bola' as the specialities to focus on at the pre-pro course but will be working on other skills too, including the creative side/stage management/equipment set up/rigging etc. “We think The Rob George Foundation is a fantastic charity. They do so much in supporting young people with chronic/terminal illness and young people with sporting and performing arts ambitions. We already know that Tabitha is benefitting from her grant towards her circus ambitions. We hope that the RGF continues to gain recognition and funding so that they can continue to support young people and their families.” The Rob George Foundation is thrilled to see Tabitha making such great progress in her training. We wish Tabitha all the best as she continues to develop her skills, and we're delighted to be part of her story.

The RGF: Keeping Xavier Connected! Xavier’s family have been in touch to thank us for supporting him. His father said: “The Rob George Foundation recently helped provide Xavier with an iPhone, a gift that has already begun making a significant difference for him. Battling illness, Xavier has faced some isolation, which we were worried might start taking a toll on his mental health. Now, with this generous gift, he can easily stay connected with his friends and loved ones, which allows him to maintain those essential relationships that bring support, comfort, and strength during this challenging time. “The ability for Xavier to reach out for a chat or video call with his friends has uplifted Xavier’s spirits, helping him to remain positive. Regular communication with his friends and others in the same position as he is has proven to be a great tool for his mental well-being, enabling him to focus on the brighter side of life. “The Rob George Foundation’s support was more than just material; their care and compassion were evident from the start. They were consistently communicative, ensuring Xavier felt supported at every step of the process; they went above and beyond to ensure Xavier's gift arrived as expected. The foundation’s dedication to helping individuals like Xavier was clear, and their timely assistance has given him both the practical tool of an iPhone and the emotional support to continue fighting his illness with optimism.” RGF trustee David Cant said: “What amazing words, eloquently capturing what a difference the RGF has made to a young man’s life when it is most needed. All the very best, Xavier.”

Rob’s Big Walk 2024 raises circa £2k. Rob’s Big Walk 2024 took place on Sunday 11th August. Again, kindly organised by Ellisons Solicitors, we are delighted to confirm that this ever-popular annual event raised circa £2k! Pip George, Chairman of Trustees, said: “Once again, our thanks go to Team Ellisons, ably led by Chris Harvey, for organising this popular RGF fundraising event. There was such a positive vibe from the 38 walkers and a great sense of comradery. The weather was near perfect for a circular walk through the stunning Dedham countryside, culminating at Munnings Art Museum, where an array of delightful refreshments awaited the weary, but jubilant walkers. As always, we offer our heartfelt thanks to all the walkers, made up of local businesses, friends and families, who took part in raising much needed funds and awareness in the process.” On behalf of Team Ellisons, Chris Harvey said: “As always, it is an honour to support the Rob George Foundation and the important work that it does. This year’s walk was extremely enjoyable and Ellisons are looking forward to next year’s walk already.” Plans for Rob’s Big Walk 2025 are already underway - watch this space! The photo shows (L-R) Pip George, Chris Harvey, and David Cant at the official cheque handover.

Glen Completes the Thames Path Challenge, Raising Over £5,000 After nine gruelling days of walking and many blisters, RGF Trustee Glen made it to the end of the Thames Path, having covered 195.2 miles and 450.6k steps. Starting from the source of the river near Kemble in Gloucestershire, Glen tracked the river right the way to the Thames Barrier, passing through a number of villages, towns and cities including Oxford, Reading and Windsor. Glen commented “It was an incredibly tough challenge to cover so much ground on consecutive days, particularly with the varied terrain. The lack of recovery time really took a toll on my feet, with a lot of ‘blister care’ each night which was subsequently undone by the next day’s walking! “What kept me going was the two fantastic organisations I was raising money for - The Tom Love Trust and the Rob George Foundation. Thanks to the amazing generosity of those sponsoring the challenge, a combined total of £5,362.50 was raised.” Pip George, Rob’s dad, and Chairman of the RGF said: “As a keen walker myself, I can confidently say that this is quite some feat by Glen. Given Glen’s close friendship with Rob, it is particularly poignant and touching that he’s completed this considerable personal challenge to raise funds for the RGF and Tom Love Trust. Well done, Glen - we’re all very proud of you!”

What does ‘making a difference…one individual at a time’ look like? How about this! “Hello! My name is Liane; I’m the mum of Max, who is 3 years old. I just want to say a massive thank you to the Rob George Foundation!! You awarded us a grant for an iPad for Max. Max is absolutely in his element with his new iPad. It has made our time on the hospital ward so much better as he loves watching videos, and it is a brilliant distraction for him as he undergoes his treatment. You have really helped us, and for that, we are forever grateful. Thank you so much for everything you do; it means the world 💐🥰💙 xxx” RGF Trustee David Cant said: “Stories like this are our motivation and inspiration, and we can’t thank Liane enough for taking the time to get in touch and share photos of Max enjoying his new iPad. We wish Max, Liane, and their family the very best for the future.”

Erin, doing the RGF proud! RGF grantee, Erin, represented Northern Ireland on Double MIni Trampoline at the Scalibuscup in Santarém Portugal, back in July as part of the Northern Ireland trampoline squad. She qualified for the finals in fifth place out of over 80 competitors from around the world and finished eighth overall which was an amazing result for this international competition. Erin’s mum, Anita, said “Erin was so very grateful for the support from The Rob George Foundation. They provided the funding that enabled her to travel with her squad and have this great experience competing at such a high level. Erin is also a member of the GB Double mini trampoline squad and is always working hard to improve her skills.” We’re incredibly proud of Erin’s achievements and look forward to supporting her as she continues to reach new heights in her trampoline career.

Golfers unite for the RGF! Rob’s love of golf is well documented, so it comes as no surprise that the annual RGF Golf Day occupies an incredibly special place in our fundraising diary. As with previous years, The RGF Golf Day 2024 did not disappoint. The weather was kind, and everyone had a great day of golf and comradery. Thanks to the generosity of the players, guests, and sponsors, a very impressive £3k was raised. That equates, on average, to providing financial support to six young people across the UK. Congratulations to this year's winners of the coveted RGF Trophy: Matt King from Healthcare Homes and his team. Pip George, Rob’s dad, and Chairman of the RGF, said: “Rob loved playing at Colchester Golf Club, practically his second home. We are indebted to the organisational skills and commitment of Jenny McEvoy in putting this event together, and the hospitality of the Club, ably overseen by Julie Ruscoe and her team. We extend our heartfelt thanks to them all.” Now’s a good time to save the date for what will be the 10th anniversary of the RGF Golf Day – Friday 5th September 2025 at Colchester Golf Club.

A World Champion for the RGF As updates go, this is quite cool! Telemark skier Jasmin Taylor (Jaz) has been in touch to share the wonderful news that she is Overall World Cup Champion 2024 and Sprint World Cup Champion 2024. Not only that, but she is also currently ranked number one in the world in the general standings and sprint discipline in Telemark Ski Racing. Jaz also has 56 World Cup podiums to her name, which is a British record. What a star! Jaz said: “This season I became “Overall World Cup Champion” and “Sprint World Cup Champion” therefore winning two crystal globes. This makes my word ranking number one – I could not be happier! "I am extremely grateful to The Rob George Foundation for supporting me; it's because of their kind generosity that I have been able to achieve my goals. An amazing charity, I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved." 📸 Nikki Hazelton

Big Thanks to George and Angus We recently shared George’s inspiring story of resilience and determination. After battling severe aplastic anaemia, which took away his ability to play sports, George has made it his mission each year to take on a physical challenge to prove he’s stronger than ever. This year, he set his sights on a nonstop 450km cycle ride from London to Paris in just 24 hours! Unfortunately, the ride did not go as planned. It coincided with the only day in June with relentless wind and heavy rain! George and Angus made it to Dover in good time, but as they reached the first and second checkpoints in France, they were significantly behind schedule, battling 30km/h winds directly against them and heavy rain. For safety, the attempt was called off just over halfway. But here’s what truly matters: George set out to make a difference, and he did. It’s not always about completing the challenge; it’s about the effort and the desire to help TThe Rob George Foundation George and Angus, you raised vital funds (£1107.50) and can both hold your heads up high. Thank you!