The Kentown Wizard Foundation surpass £20 million in grant-giving

October 24 –

The Kentown Wizard Foundation is proud to announce a significant milestone as they surpass £20m in grant-giving. This achievement marks a profound moment in their ongoing mission. The foundation aims to have a positive and enduring impact on the lives of children and young adults with life-threatening conditions and serious disabilities. This milestone is just one of many the foundation hopes to achieve as they look forward to the next chapter of support.

Founder Kenneth Townsley was born and raised in Blackpool. Therefore, it was only fitting that the first grant made by The foundation was to Blackpool-based Children’s Hospice, Brian House. Today, the foundation regularly funds the hospice’s annual fundraising events. This includes the ‘Night Run,’ which Ken attended this year in his famous purple wizard hat.

Debbie Bamber, Operations Manager of The Kentown Wizard Foundation –

“The foundation started as a dream for Ken, to see his success be put to the best possible use and to help those in need now, instead of leaving his money in a Will. From the beginning, the idea was ambitious. In fact, I never imagined what The Kentown Wizard Foundation would become or what we could achieve from those first conversations. Now, looking at what we’ve achieved, I couldn’t be prouder of the foundation’s work. Rest assured, we are more ambitious than ever.”

Since that first grant, the foundation has had a transformational impact on numerous UK-registered children’s charities. Including, Make-A-Wish UK, Over the Wall and Operation Smile UK to name but a few. Now, as they surpass £20m in grant giving, they are back in Blackpool with a grant to Dreams Come True Children’s Charity.

The five-year project will deliver dreams to children in the greatest of need across Blackpool and the North West. Specifically, children with disabilities, living with life-limiting conditions and serious illnesses. They will receive bespoke individual dreams or dreams that support their entire community. The foundation’s support will allow Dreams Come True to establish a solid programme of dream delivery. This will be underpinned by strong local partnerships, ensuring no child is left waiting for the support they deserve.

The first dream is already underway in Blackpool at Park Community Academy. This special needs school supporting over 280 children with physical disabilities, sensory processing needs, learning, communication and cognition difficulties. A new sensory garden will transform a disused and uninspiring outdoor area into an engaging and welcoming sensory retreat. A Dream Come True for these incredibly deserving children.