Barnardo’s is celebrating a historic milestone - the largest single donation in the charity’s history. The £18 million gift from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust will fully fund the rest of the Barnardo’s Gap Homes programme, creating 50 homes across the UK, as well as an ongoing fund to support vital services in the North of England.
This transformational gift builds on Katherine Martin’s extraordinary life and legacy. Katherine defied societal norms as a trailblazer in the 1920s. She was a successful businesswoman, a pioneering racing driver, and a key figure in shaping the iconic Aston Martin brand. Beyond her achievements in the automotive industry, she was a dedicated philanthropist with a passion for improving the lives of children and young people.
The Katherine Martin Charitable Trust has supported Barnardo’s for more than 60 years, particularly in the North-East Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire region, where generations of children and families have benefited from its funding. Over this time, Barnardo’s has received an incredible amount of funding from the Trust, in excess of £7m which equates to well over £10m in current day figures. This latest donation ensures Katherine Martin’s legacy will continue to make a profound difference to children and young people for years to come.
The Gap Homes programme, which will now expand thanks to the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust’s transformational pledge, was developed by Barnardo’s in response to the lack of suitable housing and support available to young people when they leave care. Too many young people face homelessness when they leave care, due to poor quality housing and a lack of support – the stark reality is that 25% of homeless people have been in care at some point in their life. This is exacerbated by a lack of suitable accommodation for young people preparing to live independently. There are currently eight Gap Homes across the UK, and this donation will pay for the next 15 Gap Homes to be built in Lincolnshire, Birmingham and Glasgow, with further locations for the remaining 30 houses currently being finalised.
Alison*, a young person supported by Barnardo’s, said, “I had been living in care for several years before the age of 16 when I moved into Gap Homes and I had stayed in three places in that short space of time. I finally moved to my lovely place where I have been living since November 2023 with the support of the Barnardo’s team. I feel like it’s my home with a beautiful view and a nice and calming environment.
“I was not a happy person where I was living previously as we would always have issues with things like the heating or hot water not working and mould. This would go on for months at a time, and our complaints never seemed to matter. Because of that, I ended up having to repeatedly move house. But, with Gap Homes, I have everything that I need and more. I truly appreciate Barnardo’s for their support and for changing my life for the better.”
John Richards, Chair of Trustees of the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust said, “Katherine Martin was a remarkable woman who believed in the power of philanthropy to change lives. This significant donation is a testament to her enduring legacy. We are privileged to continue her mission of supporting children and young people and are delighted that Barnardo’s will use this gift to provide vital support to those who need it most.
“This gift will directly address a critical need for young people leaving care. We believe that every young person deserves a safe, stable home, and we are proud to support Barnardo’s in their efforts to provide just that. Our partnership with Barnardo’s has spanned decades, and by supporting Barnardo's, we can honour Katherine's memory and contribute towards a brighter future for generations to come. Together, we can achieve more, and we hope Katherine’s legacy will inspire others to give back and make a difference."
Lynn Perry, CEO of Barnardo’s said, “This extraordinary donation from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust is monumental for Barnardo’s. We believe it’s the largest single gift in the charity’s history and it’s hard to express just how much of an impact that will have for so many young people.
“This money will enable us to expand our vital Gap Homes programme, providing young people leaving care with the safe, stable homes they deserve. We are incredibly grateful to the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust for their continued support.
“The generosity of this gift will have a profound impact on the lives of children and young people across the country and we are honoured to deliver this service with Katherine’s legacy in mind. With the support of donors like Katherine Martin, Barnardo's can continue to change childhoods and change lives.”