Philip and Lorraine George: The Rob George Foundation

Today we welcomed Philip (“Pip”) and Lorraine George from The Rob George Foundation and Adrian Hatcher who came with his father Harry, a long-time member and Past President. We also unveiled our new banner which features Business Partner Birkett Long together with a summary of events and donations over the last six months. This was especially appropriate as Pip is a former managing partner and now consultant with Birkett Long and David Cant, our contact partner at Birkett Long, is a trustee of the charity.

Pip and Lorraine’s youngest son, Rob, was a talented sportsman. He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia the day after he finished his first year at Loughborough University. He achieved full remission after treatment at Addenbrookes Hospital and spent some time travelling the world before going back to his studies at Loughborough. Two years to the day from his diagnosis he had a relapse. He had further chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant was planned but in December 2013 Rob died, aged just 21, before a match could be found.

Lorraine said that Rob’s only complaint during his illness was that he was robbed of the opportunity to make the world better.

Rob’s wish was that a Foundation be set up in his memory to support young people who faced similar intolerable financial difficulties to those he had encountered. The Charity will pay rent and travelling expenses for those going through treatment and provide assistance so that families can be close by. They will also help with purchases of white goods to enable patients to be treated at home.

Rob also wanted to provide financial support to those in the world of sport or the performing arts.

The Rob George Foundation was launched in a London nightclub on 4 January 2014 with the mission of “Making a difference - one individual at a time”. Over the last five years they have raised £862,000 and made 614 awards to young people. Lorraine explained that a relatively modest sum of money can make a huge difference to someone and the average grant is £642.

Lorraine and Pip decided that all fundraising would be something that Rob would do himself: no jumble sales! They have organised cycle rides from Paris to Colchester, Land’s End to John O’Groats, Grand Canyon to Las Vegas and are currently planning one from the London Eye to the Eiffel Tower in the summer. Rod was a keen golfer with a handicap of 4 and so charity golf days are also an important part of fundraising.

Lorraine told us that Rob’s last words, spoken to Pip, were “be happy”.