In conversation with Philip and Lorraine George from the Rob George Foundation
Our charity of the year for 2014 is The Rob George Foundation. Back in 2012, our staff chose to support Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, inspired by and in support of Rob’s personal battle. Rob died in December 2013 in St Helena Hospice at the age of 21, and his family have established a charitable trust – The Rob George Foundation – in his memory.
Learn more about the Foundation in this interview with Rob’s parents, Lorraine and Philip George, shown in the photo left, together with Rob.
Can you tell us about Rob?
Rob was a talented sportsman. He particularly excelled at cricket, and had just broken into the Colchester & East Essex lst Xl at the time of his last illness. He was due to be Chairman of the Loughborough University Students’ Cricket Club, and had just been elected a full playing member of the MCC. Rob was also an active member of the Colchester Golf Club, where he played off a handicap of five, and had represented Colchester Rugby Club and Colchester Hockey Club.
Rob coped with the challenge of facing the end of his life as he did the leukaemia – with calmness and bravery. He never complained and acted throughout with impeccable dignity, caring not for himself but for his family and friends. The way he handled himself in times of adversity was a testament to his character and an example to us all. As one of Rob’s friends said in a letter: “I really believe that Robert has not only enhanced the lives of all those fortunate enough to have known him but he has also set a marker of how to deal with adversity with such unbelievable courage and fortitude. Hopefully we can all take a little of that huge strength into our own lives. Robert is an inspiration and hopefully he will be a role model to many.” It was just this inspiration which challenged us to create the Rob George Foundation in his memory.
Rob was aware of our intention to set up the charitable trust. His simple brief for the Foundation was:
1. To try to make a difference to the lives of others, as Rob had hoped his life would have done; and
2. To make sure every event or activity organised was something Rob would have enjoyed attending himself!
So who is the Foundation hoping to help?
The objects of the Foundation are to assist young people who fall in one or other of the following categories:
1) Those with life-threatening or terminal illnesses who need practical and/or financial support.
2) Those who demonstrate exceptional commitment and/or ability in the worlds of sport or the performing arts but may be held back by their financial situation from pursuing their goals.
What made you set these objectives?
The first objective arose because of Rob’s own experiences during the period of two and a half years or so during which he was ill. Throughout this period, Rob was a student, and had no tangible income of his own. He found the process of seeking financial support completely frustrating and demoralising, and he would undoubtedly have suffered real hardship if we had not been able to support him financially and help him battle with the system.
The second objective mirrors the love which Rob and all his family have in sport and the performing arts.
Over the past ten years Birkett Long has raised or donated over £200,000 to various charities and organisations and we look forward to seeing the number rise!
Find out more about the work of The Rob George Foundation, and upcoming events at www.therobgeorgefoundation.org
