Children’s charity enters new era

A Yorkshire charity is scaling up to support more disadvantaged children through several new appointments.

Andrew Davies has taken on a senior role with Yorkshire charity The Principle Trust, which provides respite breaks for children who are underprivileged, disadvantaged, disabled, have life-limiting conditions, or who have experienced poverty, trauma or abuse. Andrew has been a trustee of the charity since 2018 and will lead The Trust as it expands its operation in response to the cost-of-living crisis which has exacerbated the challenges faced by disadvantaged families. Andrew, 42, will lead The Trust alongside his father, the charity’s chairman and founder, Mike Davies, MBE.

At the same time, Sarah Barraclough has joined the charity’s board of trustees. Sarah, 42, is the Managing Director of Skipton Properties; the family-run firm of house builders became patron of The Trust in 2022.

Commenting on his new role Andrew said:

“I’m looking forward to leading The Trust as it continues to extend support to Yorkshire families. Our focus will be on reaching more families across the region through new and existing referring partners, acquiring more respite lodges and engaging more corporate patrons who want to make a difference to children experiencing long-term, life-threatening or limiting illnesses disabilities, mental health issues or social deprivation.”

Sarah Barraclough added:

“Having seen the important work of The Principle Trust first-hand for the last two years, I’m delighted to be joining the board of trustees and am excited by the prospect of supporting the charity as it expands to meet the needs of some of the country’s most disadvantaged families.”

Inspired by his own traumatic childhood, businessman Mike Davies established the charity in 2011. Since then, the Trust has raised over £1.7m, purchased six holiday homes and provided respite breaks for over 5000 children across Yorkshire. In 2017 Mr. Davies was awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to business and disadvantaged children.

Commenting on new appointments, Mike said:

“Over the past 13 years, we have helped thousands of disadvantaged, disabled and poorly children to escape their everyday troubles and create valuable, happy memories. Sarah and Andrew both bring considerable experience to our board, and I look forward to working with them as we continue to extend our services to families across Yorkshire.”

The Trust has also announced the appointments of Events Manager Georgina Simpson and Respite Home Coordinator, Helen Greaves.

For more information, please visit: www.theprincipletrust.co.uk.