From Personal Challenge to Community Impact

26th May 2026

From marathon start lines to community support across the county, individuals connected through ECF are demonstrating how personal commitment can translate into lasting local impact through taking part in the London Marathon. 

Many community initiatives begin with a single decision to get involved. For individuals and businesses across Essex, ECF provides a structured way to turn that decision into meaningful change. As an independent charitable funder, ECF connects people and organisations with the causes they care about, managing charitable funds and distributing grants that strengthen communities across the county. 

The stories highlighted here show how personal challenges can lead to wider community impact. 

Character: Saying Yes 

When Perry Norton, Head of Development at ECF, approached Aron Priest, Founder of the Priest Foundation, about running the London Marathon in support of the Priest Foundation, Aron had never run a mile in his life. 

After a couple of days to think about it, he called back. 

“Right, let’s do it.” 

For Aron, saying yes was not about personal ambition. It was about responsibility. 

“I didn’t want to let my foundation down. Or the people who sponsored me. Once you say yes, you must take it seriously.” 

The Priest Foundation, a charitable fund he established with ECF, works to improve the lives of people facing mental health challenges by making counselling more accessible. 

Training began in October. Three runs a week over several months eventually totalled more than 400 miles. 

“The training is brutal. It’s repetitive. But if you don’t put the work in, you won’t get through it.” 

Courage: A Shift in Perspective 

Aron’s journey to the starting line began years earlier. 

In 2014 Aron experienced a serious accident. At the time he owned a large company employing hundreds of staff and thrived on the demands of running a business. 

After the accident, anxiety and PTSD changed that entirely. 

“All your life, you think you’re invincible, but when something happens, you realise you’re not. You’re vulnerable.” 

This experience led Aron to establish the Priest Foundation with ECF to help others facing similar challenges. Today every £300 raised enables someone to access therapy. 

“That makes me incredibly proud.” 

Enthusiasm: When Spirit Multiplies 

Marathon day revealed another dimension of spirit. 

“They say the crowd carries you and that’s true. The human spirit on that day is phenomenal.” 

For the marathon alone, Aron raised around £8,000 for the Priest Foundation. 

That experience has led to another challenge. This May, Aron and a team of nine will take on the National Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within 24 hours. 

“It’s going to be tough. But once I commit to something, I’m all in.” 

The Priest Foundation fund has now grown to a fund value of more than £80,000, with Aron aiming to grow it to £100,000 in the next couple of years. 

The Ripple Effect: Claire and Tom 

Aron’s story shows how motivation can lead to support. Claire Rayner and her son Tom Rayner show what support can enable. 

Following the sudden loss of Tom’s father in 2024, Claire wanted to build on Tom’s interest in running because of the physical and mental health benefits it brings. However, Tom’s disability affects his mobility, and specialist equipment allows them to run together in a way that suits Tom’s needs. 

Funding from ECF provided a running buggy, allowing Tom to run as much as his body allows, with breaks in the buggy when he needs them.

“Since receiving the buggy, running has become a part of our lives,” Claire says. 

“It’s made a real difference to me too. As a solo parent, training during school holidays and weekends wouldn’t have been possible without the buggy.” 

Tom became an enthusiastic training partner throughout Claire’s London Marathon journey. 

“He’s a great cheerleader. He tells me I’m doing a great job, asks how my legs are feeling and tells me to keep going when I’m struggling.”

Claire has now completed the London Marathon, raising funds for Endeavour Co-operative Academy in Brentwood. For Claire, the marathon marked another milestone in the journey she and Tom have taken together since receiving the buggy. 

“This was very much our journey. I’ll always be grateful to ECF for making this possible.” 

A Culture of Commitment 

The momentum continues. Dan Haylett, Director at TFP Financial Planning, will take on the London Marathon in 2027 to raise funds for the TFP Community Fund, managed by ECF, that supports local causes in Maldon and the surrounding area. 

“Running the London Marathon has been on my list for years, and when the opportunity came up to do it for a cause this close to home, it felt like the right moment to stop talking about it and actually lace up… I’ll be running 26.2 miles with a lot of heart, probably some blisters, and the knowledge that it genuinely matters.” 

Dan’s commitment reflects something broader. Across Essex, individuals connected to ECF are stepping forward in different ways to support their communities.

Within ECF itself, commitment is also personal. Niamh Murphy, Fund Development Admin Officer at ECF, recently completed the London Marathon independently in support of the charity 3Food4U. 

“Working at ECF has shaped how I see my role within the community. Seeing the impact of local giving up close shows how powerful it can be when support is rooted in genuine connection.” 

Reflecting on her experience, Niamh says:

“Running the London Marathon on behalf of 3Food4U was an unforgettable experience, and the support from everyone at ECF meant so much. I’m incredibly proud to be part of the ECF team, where we share a real passion for making a difference. Congratulations to all the runners, we were part of something truly special this year.” 

Her marathon experience reflects the wider culture surrounding ECF, one where personal commitment and community impact go hand in hand. 

Investing in Essex 

For business leaders across the county, these stories highlight what is possible when personal commitment meets the right support. 

Across Essex, individuals and businesses are choosing to invest in their communities. With the right support in place, that commitment can translate into lasting impact. 

Establishing a fund with ECF enables individuals and organisations to support the causes they care about, while ECF manages governance, administration and grant-making. As Aron puts it, “You focus on the meaningful part.” 

Interested in Establishing a Fund? 

If you are an individual or business considering creating a charitable fund and investing in local communities across Essex, ECF would be pleased to have a conversation. 

Contact: Perry Norton, Head of Development 
Tel: 01245 355947 
Email: perry@essexcf.org.uk 

Support From Pioneering Essex Company

2nd April 2026

Charities and voluntary groups in Essex have been receiving vital support over the past two decades, thanks to a partnership between Teledyne e2v and Essex Community Foundation. 

Teledyne e2v is a trailblazer in advanced technology with a deep-rooted history in Chelmsford, and has strengthened its local communities for the past two decades, with grants from the fund it set up with Essex Community Foundation (ECF).  Since the early days of British engineering innovation, the company’s commitment to local people has grown alongside its global success.

In 2006, the company established the Teledyne e2v Foundation with ECF and the fund is giving ongoing and much-needed help to those in need, including children with cancer, men with mental health problems, people who are homeless and first aid organisations.

The partnership between the company and ECF is a strong commitment to support grassroots charities and voluntary groups across mid and south Essex, where the majority of Teledyne e2v’s employees live and work.

More than £140,000 has already been distributed from the Teledyne e2v Foundation to 69 local causes, and, crucially, because the fund is invested for the long-term, it will keep giving year after year, ensuring support that lasts well beyond individual grants.

What makes the company’s fund distinctive is the way decisions are made. A charity panel made up of Teledyne e2v employees works closely with ECF to review applications and award grants. This hands-on approach keeps the process grounded, personal and closely connected to the communities it serves.

Sam Philbrick, Chair of the Committee, said:

“Working with ECF has introduced us to so many local charities that we never knew existed before. Every year, we meet to discuss applications from charities that meet the criteria of our fund, which focuses on mid and south Essex.”

“It’s inspiring to hear about the work these groups do and to discuss, as colleagues, which ones we will support. Being able to visit the organisations afterwards is always incredibly motivating.”

Sam Philbrick and Joanne Jones from e2v who are members of the Charity Committee at ECF’s 30th anniversary event in July 2025

Since 2006, the fund has supported a wide range of local charities and voluntary groups, from those helping young people and families, to organisations tackling isolation, improving wellbeing, and strengthening community resilience. Many of these are small, volunteer-led groups whose impact far outweighs their size, exactly the kind of organisations ECF aims to support.

The most recent grants include: 

A grant of £2,660 to 12th Man Mental Health enabling them to train 20 local men as Mental Health First Aiders, giving them the skills and confidence to spot early warning signs of poor mental health, offer immediate support and guide others towards professional help. Rather than waiting for men to seek services, the project places trained responders directly into male-dominated environments such as businesses, clubs and community groups, spaces where men already feel comfortable.

12th Man provides mental health training in businesses and spaces where men already feel comfortable.

This approach helps break down stigma and encourages conversations that might otherwise never happen. Each trained Mental Health First Aider becomes a trusted presence within their community, creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the individuals trained.

Nick Little is a Director at 12th Man. He said:

“For many men, talking about mental health still feels difficult, especially in workplaces and social spaces where vulnerability is rarely encouraged. We are working hard to change that, and receiving support from the Teledyne e2v Foundation has allowed us to reach men who are often hidden in plain sight. By training people within the community, we’re creating real change where it’s needed most.”

Providing Life-Saving Care 

When emergencies strike at community events, having trained volunteers and the right equipment can mean the difference between panic and life-saving care. Essex Community First Aid Events Volunteers, formed in 2018 by a group of dedicated local volunteers, ensures that small community events across Essex, from school fetes to charity fundraisers, have expert first aid cover without cost barriers.

A grant of £500 from the Teledyne e2v Foundation helped them to buy two Entonox administration sets and accessories, giving volunteers the tools to provide effective pain relief during critical moments. In their first year, the team supported 63 events, far more than the 12 originally expected, now they receive over 125 bookings for over 200 events annually assisting people in moments of extreme stress, including administering life-saving care helping individuals with minor and serious injuries and conditions.

Essex Community First Aid Events Volunteers providing support at local events.

“This funding makes a real difference,”says Mike Fraser, a Trustee of the charity.“It ensures our volunteers have the equipment they need to support people safely and confidently. Every event we attend, we’re able to bring reassurance, care, and immediate medical help to those who need it most.”

With skilled volunteers and upgraded equipment, Essex Community First Aid Events Volunteers continues to be a vital, life-saving presence across the county.

Supporting Chelmsford’s Homeless 

Cool to be Kind also received a grant from the Teledyne e2v Foundation. Funding of £2,000 helped with the costs of hosting an online directory of resources and to provide essential items for people who are homeless across Chelmsford.

For over a decade, Cool to be Kind has been a lifeline for Chelmsford’s homeless, providing practical support and connecting people to vital services. Established in 2015, the organisation runs an outreach programme, the Rucksack Project, and distributes surplus food from supermarkets. It also manages Street Support Chelmsford, an online directory linking 110 organisations and 235 services to vulnerable individuals across the city.

Cool to be kind providing practical support to Chelmsford’s homeless for over 10 years.

Support from the Teledyne e2v Foundation helped fund one-third of these programmes, covering website hosting, a part-time Engagement Manager, and essential items such as clothing and sleeping bags. Each week, around 35 rough sleepers receive clothing and sleeping bags, while hundreds of people access the online directory to find food, warm spaces, legal advice, and accommodation.

“This funding has been transformational,”says Dan Skeates, co-founder of the charity. “It allows us to keep people safe, warm, and connected to the services they need. Every item we provide, every person we reach, makes a real difference in our community.”

Supporting Families Through Childhood Cancer 

Facing a childhood cancer diagnosis is devastating for families, and timely emotional support can make all the difference. Gold Geese, a Southend-based charity, provides tailored practical and emotional support to children and their families across Basildon, Chelmsford, and Southend. Founded in 2018 by Katie Southgate after her child’s cancer diagnosis, the charity ensures no family faces the journey alone.

A grant of £2,000 from the Teledyne e2v Foundation enabled Gold Geese to provide specialist counselling to 25 families, giving each child, sibling, and parent a minimum of six sessions with BACP-qualified counsellors trained in bereavement, oncology, and trauma.

Katie and her daughter Hattie received practical support and reassurance from Gold Geese.

This support bridges the gap in NHS services, where waiting times can stretch to months, offering families immediate help without financial burden.

“This funding has been life-changing for the families we support,”says Katie Southgate, founder and CEO of the charity.“It allows children and their families to receive the counselling they need at a time when waiting is simply not an option. Every session brings hope, reassurance, and practical support during an incredibly difficult journey.”

Commitment to Community 

This commitment to community sits naturally alongside Teledyne e2v’s wider ethos. The company’s history in Essex stretches back to the 1940s, when it began as part of the Marconi group, manufacturing magnetrons for defence radar systems. Registered as a separate company in Chelmsford in 1947, it played a pioneering role in British engineering under the leadership of Simeon M. Aisenstein, a Russian-born engineer whose work helped shape Europe’s broadcasting and communications landscape.

Today, as part of Teledyne Technologies, following its acquisition in 2017, Teledyne e2v operates as a global manufacturer serving healthcare, life sciences, space, transportation, defence and industrial markets. Despite its international footprint, the company has never lost sight of its local roots.

That same forward-looking mindset is reflected in its passion for education and skills development. By inspiring students in physics, mathematics and engineering, and through its award-winning Apprenticeship Scheme, Teledyne e2v is helping to nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers. Many apprentices go on to secure long-term careers with the business, strengthening both the company and the communities it serves. 

Facts about Teledyne e2v

• Set up a long-term charitable fund with ECF in 2006 which is currently valued at over £207,000.

• Given grants totalling £140,000 to a wide range of charities supporting local initiatives and helping local people in need.

• Acquired by Teledyne Technologies in March 2017 exactly 70 years after the company’s original company registration in 1947

• Recipient of 13 Queen’s Awards for Technology, plus the Sir Arthur C. Clarke Award for excellence in space innovation

• In 2025, three high profile European Space Agency (ESA) missions launched featuring imaging sensors designed and produced by Teledyne e2v’s Space Imaging division in Chelmsford

• Teledyne e2v Space Imaging supplied the one-billion-pixel Charge Coupled Device (CCD) imaging array for ESA’s Gaia mission, mapping the Milky Way in unprecedented detail

• 104 CCDs will be flown on ESA’s Plato mission, due to launch early 2027, and will assist with the study of terrestrial exoplanets

• Other well-known space missions that use imaging sensors from Teledyne e2v Space Imaging include the Hubble Space Telescope, Euclid Space Telescope, Mars Perseverance Rover and New Horizons

• A range of Teledyne e2v’s magnetrons are used deployed in marine radar systems which are used by ships for navigation, collision avoidance and weather monitoring.

• Our state-of-the-art radio frequency (RF) deactivation technology brings moving targets to a controlled stop at a safe distance across land, air and sea and is used by law enforcement agencies to protect people and borders.

• Teledyne e2v’s technology is at the heart of high energy x-ray cargo scanning systems used at seaports and border crossings for the rapid, non-invasive detection of contraband, weapons and prohibited items.

• Teledyne e2v’s products are present in over 90% of radiotherapy systems worldwide, contributing to the treatment of cancer patients who receive radiotherapy.

As the Teledyne e2v Foundation celebrates 20 years of giving back, the story is not just one of funding, but of relationships, between colleagues, charities and communities, built on trust, curiosity and a shared belief that local action can have lasting impact.

If you are interested in setting up a charitable fund in your name or the name of your company, please call Perry Norton, Head of Development at ECF on 01245 355947 or email perry@essexcf.org.uk

Little Braxted Community Fund Surpasses £250,000 Awarded in Local Grants

26th March 2026

A fund created from the sale of a former village schoolhouse is continuing to transform lives and strengthen communities across Essex more than a decade after it was first established. 

The Little Braxted Community and Educational Fund, set up in 2012 with the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), has now awarded over £250,000 in grants, marking a significant milestone in its journey of local giving. 

What began as a single community asset in the village of Little Braxted has grown into an enduring source of support, benefiting individuals and organisations not only locally but also in neighbouring areas of Witham and Maldon. 

The Fund plays a vital role in bringing people together, unlocking opportunity and supporting local ambition.  From helping young people pursue education and training, to enabling access to sport, creativity and community activities, the grants awarded are supporting local resources and helping people to thrive. 

Jarvis Knight,( pictured below) who lives in Little Braxted, received a grant enabling him to take up a place at a college in the United States, combining academic study with elite-level football. He said:

“Growing up in a small village and attending local schools has shaped both my education and my passion for football.  This opportunity is potentially life-changing for me as without the support, studying and playing sport abroad simply wouldn’t have been possible. It’s given me the chance to aim higher, both on and off the pitch.” 

Supporting projects that bring residents together is also an important focus for the Fund.  

A grant of £1,440 will enable Maldon CVS in partnership with Little Braxted and Great Braxted Parish Councils to organise a series of ‘Grass for Games’ free summer activity sessions for children aged 3–11.  These events will give families the chance to enjoy fun, active play without financial pressure. For many, these sessions will provide a rare opportunity to take part in structured activities during the holidays. 

“It’s not just about keeping children busy,” said Anna Appleyard, Operations Manager at Maldon and District Community Voluntary Service (CVS). “It’s about giving them positive experiences, building friendships and making sure every family feels included. The support we have received from the Fund makes that possible.” 

Grants have also supported university students, helping to remove barriers that might otherwise limit opportunity. 

Young athletes have also benefited, with funding enabling progression in gymnastics and athletics, as well as access to activities such as swimming and horse riding as part of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. 

Essex Community Foundation works with a panel made up of local residents to help make decisions about which applications to support. Kit Speakman has been on the panel since the Fund was established. He said:

“It is quite remarkable to think that the sale of a single village building has grown into something that continues to give back year after year. This milestone really belongs to the community, and it reflects a long-term commitment to supporting local people in practical, meaningful ways. We see first-hand the difference these grants make, whether it’s that’s helping someone take the next step in their education or supporting activities that bring people together.” 

For Essex Community Foundation, the Fund represents a powerful example of how local philanthropy can create lasting impact. Zoe Brampton, Grants Manager at ECF, said:

“This is a great example of how a locally rooted fund can evolve and grow over time. By combining the insight of a local panel with the Foundation’s long-term management, the Fund has been able to support a wide range of needs while remaining true to its original purpose. Reaching over £250,000 in grants is a significant milestone, but what’s most important is the continued impact, supporting communities not just now, but for years to come. It is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through foresight and generosity.” 

To apply for a grant or to find out more call ECF on 01245 355947 or visit our Apply for Support page.

To find out more about how to set up a charitable fund contact Perry Norton, Head of Development at Essex Community Foundation: 

Tel: 01245 355947 
Email: perry@essexcf.org.uk 

Marconi Companies Charitable Fund: Continuing Its Legacy of Community Impact in Chelmsford

25th March 2026

ECF to Manage the Marconi Companies Charitable Fund 

ECF is excited to announce that it will now manage the historic Marconi Companies Charitable Fund, helping ensure its long-standing legacy continues to make a real difference for people across Essex. 

The Marconi Fund has deep roots in Chelmsford, going back to the early 1900s. It was set up to support Marconi company employees, particularly in retirement, and over the years has helped those in financial need, often widows or former staff without significant pensions. 

A Legacy of Innovation and Care 

Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian inventor and pioneer, arrived in the UK at the turn of the 20th century with a vision to develop wireless radio technology. His work led to the first successful long-distance wireless transmissions and eventually transformed global communication. Marconi’s technology would later form the foundation for radio broadcasting, maritime communication, and even radar, playing a key role during both world wars. 

Chelmsford became the heart of Marconi’s UK operations after he secured support from the local community. He built the first wireless factory in Hall Street, employing hundreds of local people and establishing Chelmsford as a centre of innovation. The area still retains a strong connection to his legacy, from early radio developments to modern telecommunications. 

Beyond his technological achievements, Marconi was a forward-thinking employer. He set up systems to support his staff in later life, including pension provisions, which reflected a genuine concern for employee welfare. This ethos directly inspired the creation of the Marconi Companies Charitable Fund, ensuring employees and their families would have assistance when they needed it most. 

Over the decades, the Marconi company evolved and changed hands a number of times. Despite these transitions, the charitable fund continued under the guidance of local trustees, preserving Marconi’s vision of community support while adapting to the needs of the time. 

Image source: ©BBC 1929. Guglielmo Marconi as seen at the microphone in December 1929 when he was a Senator in the then Senate of the Kingdom of Italy. 

Looking Ahead with ECF 

In recent years, the number of potential beneficiaries has reduced as ex-employee numbers declined following peak employment in the 1960’s and 1970’s and ex-employees also enjoyed improved pension provisions. The Trustees saw an opportunity to broaden the fund’s reach while staying true to its original purpose. By partnering with ECF, the fund can now support a wider range of initiatives focused on relieving poverty in Essex (and potentially to other ex-Marconi employee bases), including food banks and other community projects. 

“Our aim has always been to ensure the fund’s resources are put to good use,” says Ian Muir, former trustee of the Marconi Fund and now part of its ambassador panel. “With The Charity Commission’s support, we can now work with ECF to preserve the original purpose whilst expanding support to those facing financial hardship across the wider community.” 

“It’s important to honour the heritage of the Marconi Fund, but equally to make sure it continues to make a difference,” Ian adds. “With ECF’s expertise, we can reach more people in need and put the fund’s resources to work where they matter most.” 

ECF will manage the fund’s assets carefully, using its experience in grant-giving to maximise impact while preserving capital for the long term. Former trustees will stay involved through an ambassador panel, offering guidance and keeping the fund connected to its historic roots. 

This partnership marks an exciting new chapter. By combining ECF’s community expertise with the Marconi Fund’s legacy, even more people in Essex will benefit, continuing the spirit of innovation and care that started with Guglielmo Marconi over a century ago. 

Interested in Having a Fund with ECF? 

From setting up a fund to shaping a tailored approach to community giving, there are many ways to create lasting impact for Essex communities. 

To start a conversation, contact: 

Perry Norton, Head of Development, Essex Community Foundation 
Tel: 01245 355947 
Email: perry@essexcf.org.uk 

Passing it On: Leaving a Gift to Charity in Your Will

5th March 2026

Leaving a gift to charity in your will means that you can support the people and communities you love.  This month, Essex Community Foundation (ECF) shares how legacies they have received are making a difference and keeping memories alive. 

Over the past 30 years, the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), has been helping people to leave a lasting legacy to support the causes they care about.  

Each year ECF awards around £4 million in grants to local charities and voluntary groups that are tackling a wide range of issues. The funding comes from over 200 charitable funds that have been set up by local people and businesses who want to give back to their community during their lifetime, but also through their will. 

Leaving a gift to charity in your will is one of the most meaningful ways to support the people and places you love. Across Essex, legacies left to ECF are quietly changing lives, while keeping the stories and values of donors alive for generations to come. 

“Every legacy is personal, and every gift tells a story,” 

“Making a will is about more than practical planning. For many people, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on what matters most to them and ensure their generosity continues long into the future.”

“When someone plans ahead, we can help turn their vision into action, strengthening communities and creating a lasting impact across Essex.” says Perry Norton, Head of Development at ECF.  

We share three stories of people who left gifts in their wills to ECF and are doing just that. 

A Life of Action: The Austin Hicks Charitable Fund

Austin Hicks, a man whose motto, according to his widow Anne, was simple:

 “Just do it.” 

Austin lived in Colchester for nearly 40 years and worked for 35 years at MLM Consulting Engineers, where he became a partner. A former Rotary president, keen musician and enthusiastic traveller, he was deeply involved in local life and passionate about giving back. 

Before he died in May 2018, aged 65, following a battle with cancer, Austin asked that a charitable fund be set up in his name to support good causes in and around Colchester. 

Since then, the Austin Hicks Charitable Fund, established with ECF, has awarded nearly £13,000 in grants to local charities supporting dementia care, mental health education, children and young people, and music. 

“Austin was a real planner and a doer, he always had a great interest in supporting local charities. Before he died, he made plans and asked that the family set up a fund after his death to help local causes.” says Anne.

Their daughter Kathryn, who had encountered community foundations through her voluntary work, suggested ECF as the best way to ensure Austin’s wishes were carried out professionally and effectively. 

“The fund is in the hands of professionals, we know the money will be properly administered and will go to organisations Austin would want to support, year on year.” Anne explains.

Grants from the fund have already supported projects including pop-up dementia cafés for carers, specialist support for families with young children with Down syndrome, and employment opportunities for young people with additional needs. 

“It is wonderful to see his fund established as he wanted, it’s supporting charities he believed in and it will continue to do so.”  Anne adds.

Austin’s wife, Anne, and his children, Kathryn and Jonathan, are all actively involved in the fund and committed to continuing his legacy. Anne has been able to visit several of the groups supported, seeing first-hand the positive impact the grants are making in local communities. 

Through Austin’s legacy, and the continued involvement of his family, his spirit of action and generosity continues to strengthen grassroots charities and support meaningful local initiatives across Essex. 

Examples of projects supported by the Austin Hick Charitable Fund include: 

Age Well East – £1,444 to support pop-up dementia cafés, helping to improve the mental health and wellbeing of carers. 

Candles, the North Essex Down Syndrome Support Group – £1,021 to fund activities and specialist sessions for families with young children with Down Syndrome.

Market Field Farm – £1,271 towards equipment costs and creating employment opportunities for young people with additional needs.

Austin’s story is one of several legacies helping Essex communities thrive.   

Professional advisers, including solicitors, can work with their clients to advise them on how giving through ECF can be tax efficient and means that their gift will support causes close to their heart in perpetuity.   

Fiona Ashworth, a director at Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP) solicitors has introduced several of her clients to ECF.      

Barbara Huntley, who died aged 89 in 2022, lived in Boreham and had no children of her own. After discussions with Fiona, her solicitor, she decided that, after providing for family members, the remainder of her estate was donated to ECF to support a wide range of causes across Essex, particularly those helping young children have the best possible start in life.

 Another client of Fiona’s was Gwendy Marrs, a woman remembered for her warmth, energy and love of performance. Born in 1930, Gwendy spent four years as one of the famous high-kicking Tiller Girls, touring South Africa in 1952 before returning to Essex, where she worked for the Colchester Lathe Company for more than three decades.

After her husband Colin died, Gwendy returned to performing, appearing as an extra in well-known television programmes including Hi-De-Hi and Lovejoy, while remaining deeply involved in local clubs and community activities. 

“As solicitors, we help clients think carefully about their legacy’ ‘For people like Barbara and Gwendy, knowing their gifts would continue to support their community brought real comfort and joy.” says Fiona.

What Kind of Legacy Will You Leave?

The legacies left by Austin Hicks, Gwendy Marrs and Barbara Huntley are reminders that generosity doesn’t end with a lifetime. Each gift is a story of a life lived, values shared and a community strengthened. 

If you would like to explore leaving a legacy, a good place to start is by speaking to your professional adviser, or by contacting Perry Norton at Essex Community Foundation on 01245 355947 or via essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk. 

Did you know: 

By leaving 10% of your estate to charity, you will benefit from a reduction in Inheritance Tax from 40% to 36%. 

It is estimated that of the 75% of people who give to charity in their lifetime, only 7% leave a gift to charity in their will. 

In 2024, charities in the UK were gifted a record £4.5 billion from legacies.  

Free Wills Month happens in March and October, offering people aged 55+ the chance to get simple wills drafted by solicitors for free, with details available via the freewillsmonth.org.uk website.  

Types of Legacy 

• A residuary legacy: a gift made form the remainder of your estate once all other bequests to family and friends have been made and debts paid off.  This can be a percentage of the remainder, or all of it.
• A pecuniary legacy: a fixed amount specified in a will 
• A specific legacy: a particular item left as a gift in your will, for example, shares, property, jewellery or a painting 
• A reversionary legacy: this allows the surviving partner to benefit from the estate during their lifetime and then for the balance of the estate to pass to the Foundation. 

Leaving a gift in your will to ECF is a personal way to create a lasting connection with the causes you care about.  

Find out more on our Leave a Legacy page  – click here.

Rickard Luckin: Turning Celebration into Community Impact

4th March 2026

Marking their 10-year anniversary, Rickard Luckin, one of Essex’s leading independent accountancy and advisory firms, chose to turn celebration into action, creating a meaningful difference across local communities. 

To mark a decade since the merger that created today’s firm, the team launched 10K Your Way, a fundraising challenge designed to be accessible to everyone. Colleagues were invited to raise £10,000 collectively in whatever way worked for them. 

“Our team is diverse in age, ability and interests, so we wanted a challenge that everyone could engage with’ ‘Not everyone wants to run 10K, and that was exactly the point.” Says Kim Aaronricks, Head of Marketing.

Staff set creative personal challenges, from physical feats to reading 10,000 pages, while colleagues, clients and local businesses sponsored and supported them. Even those not taking on a challenge played their part, cheering others on and helping to build momentum across the firm’s offices. 

“It created a real buzz, once it got going, it snowballed.” Says Andrew Norris, Corporate Finance Associate.

Doubling the Impact 

Thanks to match funding and additional support from the firm’s leadership, the original target was quickly surpassed. The campaign ultimately raised more than £22,000. 

Rather than continuing to grow their Rickard Luckin Community Fund’s endowment (established in 2009 and managed by ECF), the team chose to distribute the raised funds directly to local causes through a flow-through donation model. Every member of staff was given three votes to help decide where the money should go.

The four charities selected were: 

• Southend Mencap 

• Age Concern Southend 

• Safer Places 

• Basildon Foodbank 

“We wanted the decision to reflect what really matters to our people, that made it all the more meaningful.” says Kim.

Supporting Grassroots Essex 

Rickard Luckin has worked with Essex Community Foundation for many years, valuing the opportunity to support smaller, grassroots charities that might otherwise struggle to secure funding. 

“Through ECF, we’re introduced to organisations we may never have discovered ourselves.’ ‘For smaller charities, a donation of this size can make a real and immediate difference.” says Andrew.

Alongside the 10K Your Way challenge, the firm also runs a quarterly Giving Back Together initiative, where staff nominate causes close to their hearts, reinforcing a culture where generosity is part of everyday working life. 

For Rickard Luckin, turning a milestone into action has helped create a lasting investment in Essex communities. 

Interested in Giving Back to your Community? 

If your organisation is looking to support local causes, ECF is here to help. From establishing a fund to shaping a tailored approach to community giving, there are many ways to create meaningful local impact. 

To start a conversation, contact Perry Norton, Head of Development at Essex Community Foundation: 

Tel: 01245 355947 
Email: perry@essexcf.org.uk