Yorkshire charity which has raised over £2.2m for vulnerable families celebrates 15 years
This charity has certainly made a positive difference 😊
The Principle Trust Children’s Charity is proudly celebrating its 15th anniversary, after raising over £2.2 million to provide life-changing respite breaks for vulnerable children and families across Yorkshire.
The charity was formed in 2011 by Mike Davies MBE inspired by his own experience of growing up in difficult circumstances after losing his mother at just five years old.
To support children facing bereavement and other adversity, the Ilkley-based campaigner created The Principle Trust, which offers vital escape for families facing significant trauma, financial hardship, illness, and isolation.
The charity is now a robust regional organisation and has provided essential emotional well-being support through respite breaks for almost 6,000 children and families in Yorkshire in the past 15 years.
The Principle Trust operates eight respite homes across Blackpool, the Lake District, and Filey, which are used by over 300 families every year.
Families are carefully selected through a trusted network of referral partners, including schools, social services, children’s charities, children’s hospices, and healthcare professionals.
Mr Davies said: “Today, more than 400,000 children in Yorkshire are living in poverty, around 31% of all children in our region. For many, a respite break is not just a holiday; it’s a chance to reconnect, rebuild, and create precious memories that last a lifetime.
“In many cases, families tell us these breaks are life-changing. Having helped nearly 6,000 children and families, I am immensely proud of our entire team, who work tirelessly. I want to thank every supporter personally; every penny makes a difference.”
Every break is provided free to families thanks to the generosity of patrons, fundraisers, supporters, and funders.
With a 100% donations policy, every pound raised from events and fundraisers directly funds respite breaks and creates lasting, happy memories for children and families in need.
The Principle Trust has also expanded its reach into children’s mental health and family wellbeing through forming partnerships with regional Mind groups across Yorkshire.
To celebrate its 15th anniversary, The Principle Trust will host a fundraising celebration on 26th September at the Queens Hotel in Leeds. ‘A Night at the Seaside’ is set to be an elegant and immersive celebration of a British seaside holiday, honouring the achievements of The Principle Trust over the last 15 years.