We were recently very saddened to hear of the passing of Len Smith, a passionate volunteer and supporter of the Trust.
To many in Eastbourne Len is known for his achievements for Eastbourne Borough Football Club and Langney Sports Club. At the Trust, however, we know him for his dedicated support, firstly through the Acorns Charitable Trust and then in later years directly raising many thousands of pounds.
Len’s fundraising had a transformative effect for the Children’s Respite Trust because it was frequent and regular and so it meant that the Charity could plan for the future knowing that we had money coming in. Ultimately, It meant that many more families could be supported.
Len was one of life’s doers, so when he said he was going to achieve something you knew it would happen, just as was the case when he led the fundraising to purchase Priory Lane for Eastbourne Borough Football Club. Through the Acorns Charitable Trust, we were able to buy our first sensory equipment for the children and many other items of equipment since.
Len’s family very kindly asked guests at his funeral to make donations to the Children’s Respite Trust instead of giving flowers and so even in his memory the children that we support are to benefit yet again. We will be putting this money towards our outdoor play project, given Len’s passion for sports and his record of fundraising for recreational facilities and we’re sure that the children will enjoy playing in the Len Smith Garden. We greatly look forward to bringing you news of the garden taking shape in the spring.
The thoughts and prayers of the Trust’s staff and trustees are very much with Len’s wife Karen and all of the family.