OpenCharities

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2025-04-05-accounts

Trustees ThomsonSnell&Passmore TrustCorporationLtd
AnnaLeigh
Charitynumber 267325
Principal address 73 Cornhill
London
EC3V 3QQ
Administrator S. Whitney
lndependentExaminer D Hildebrand FCCA
Gerald Edelman
73 Cornhill
London
EC3V 3QQ
Bankers Coutts
440Strand
London
WC2ROOS
Solicitors ThomsonSnell& Passmore
2/4ValeAvenue
TunbridgeWells
Kent
TN11DJ
lnvestment advisors LGTWealth Management UKLLP
14Cornhill
London
EC3V 3NR

Page
Trustees'report 1-3
Statementof Trustees'responsibilities 4
lndependentexaminer's report 5
Statementof financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notestotheaccounts 8-15
ò

UnrestrictedDesignated
funds
funds		 UnrestrictedDesignated
funds
funds		 Total
2025		 Total
2024
Notes general
€Ê		 Ê Ê
lncomefrom:
lnvestments 3 37,243 37,243 45,990
çxþêndltttfe.on:
Raisingfunds 4 6,594 6,594 8,970
Charitableactivities 5 719,980 719,980 404,972
Totalexpenditure 726,574 726,574413,942
Netexpenditure before lnvestment returns (68e,331) (68e,331) (367,952)
Net gain on investments r0 9,857 9,857 19,179
Grosstransfersbetween funds 15 207,971 (207,971)
Netexpenditure for the year (471,503) (207,e71) (679,474) (348,773)
Fundbalancesat6April2024 680,820 270,471 951,291 1,300,064
Fund balancesat5April2025 209,317 62,500 271,817951,291

2025 2024
Notes Ê Ê € Ê
Fixedassets
lnvestments 11 239,061 1,155,696
Gurrentassets
Debtors 12 14,075 4,797
Cash atþank andin hand 23,481 87,063
37,556 91,860
Greditors: amountsfallingduewithinone 13
year (4,800) (e2,457)
Netcurrent assets/(liabilities) 32,756 (5e7)
Totalassets less currentliabilities 271,817 1,'155,099
Creditors: amountsfallingdueaftermore 14
than oneyear (203,80e)
Netassets 271,817 951,291
lncomefunds
Unrestrictedfunds
Designated funds: l5 62,500 270,471
General unrestrictedfunds 209,317 680,820
271,817 951,291

2025 2024
Ê Ê
lncomefrom listedinvestments 21
Bondlnterest lncome 35,283 43,448
lnterestreceivable 1,960 2,521
':,'* 45,990
Raisingfunds
2025 2024
I €
InvestmentmanAq.e-mg.nt 6,594 8,970

5 Charitableactivities
2025 2024
I Ê
Grant funding of activities (see note 6) 615,583 276,668
Trustees indemnity insurance 302 308
Support costs-administration 70,009 90,038
lndependent examination fees 4,800 4,800
Professionalfees 28,256 32,400
Othergovernancecosts 1,030 758
1ï* 4A4,972
6 Grantspayable
2025 2024
f €
Grants to institutions:
Beaufort Cottage Educational Trust 130,000 34,000
DukeofEdinburgh Award 40,000 20,000
British RacingSchoolDukeofEdinburgh Award Gold Residential 7,833
Jamies Farm 75,678
HEROS 10,676
Racing to School 92,165
PHAB 32,482 10,500
Wheelpower 40,000
British Racing School 217,311 57,546
lnternational Equine Reproduction Trust 10,000
The Wavertree Educational Trust 102,000 3,708
New Beginnings 35,000
Wargrave Girl Guides 5,000
Others 250
Commitments no longer required (21,888) (10,0_1:)
u,u'r* lr,ri
7 Netmovementinfunds 2025 2024
Ê €
Thenet movementinfundsisstated aftercharging:
Feespayablefor theindependentexaminationofthe charity'sfinancial
statements 4,800 4,800

9 Employees
ïheaveragemonthlynumberofemployees during the yearwas:
2025 2024
Number Number
Total
Therewereno employees whose annual remunerationwasmore than Ê60,000.
10 Netgains/(losses)oninvestments
2025 2024
€ Ê
Reveluationofinvestments 11,160 23,352
Lossonsaleofinvestments (1,303) (4,173)
9,857 19,179

11 Fixedasset investments
Listed Cash in Total
investments
Ê		 portfolio
E		 t
Costorvaluation
At05April2024 1,145,507 10,189 1,155,696
Additions 614,742 614,742
Valuation changes 11,160 11,160
Changein cashaccounts 4,934 4,934
Disposals (1,547,471) (1,547,471)
At5April2025 223,938 15,123
239,061
Carrying amount
At 05April2025 223,938 15,123 239,061
At 05April2024 1,145,5A710,189 1,155,696
Listed investmentsheld asfollows:
Ê
UK Bonds 98,182
ForeignBonds 100,715
OtherFunds 25,091
223,938
12 Debtors
2025 2024
Amounts fallingduewithinone year: € Ê
Other debtors 13,500
Prepaymentsandaccruedincome 575 4,7g;
-
14,075 4,796
'13 Creditors: amountsfallingduewithinoneyear
2025 2024
Ê I
Grant commitments 76,000
Accrualsanddeferredincome 4,800 16,457
4,800
92,457

2025 2024
Ê Ê
Grant commitments 203,808

Movementinfunds Movementinfunds
Balanceat
New		 Utlllsed/ Balance at
6April2024deslgnatlons
ÊÊ		 realised
Ê		 5April2025
Ê
BeaufortCottageEducational Trust 30,000 30,000 (30,000) 30,000
Jamie'sFarm 75,678 (75,678)
Wavertree EducationTrust 32,500 32,500
British Racing School 52,311 (52,311)
DukeofEdinburghAward Scheme 40,000 (40,000)
Phab 32,482 (32,482)
Wheelpower 40,000 (40,000)
274,471 62,500 (270,471)62,500

Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust

Annual Accounts to 5[th] April 2025

Addendum Report - October 2025

The Trustees have adopted a strategy of expending the funds of the charity over a set period of time in accordance with Gerald Leigh’s wishes. Much planning has taken place to identify suitable opportunities which can fully benefit charities operating in the areas which form the objects and activities as set out in the Trustees Report, and the Trustees have been fully implementing this plan.

As the Trust now winds down, we would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the achievements and impact of its grant funding since Gerald Leigh established his own charity in 1974. During those last 51 years, many millions of pounds have been donated to national and international charitable projects achieving significant impact within the areas that were special to the Founder –

The following pages include several personal and charitable testimonials from some of the charities which the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust has supported over the years.

18[th] September 2025

Mr N J Wingfield Digby LVO, BVSc, MRCVS, DL, Lanwades, Moulton Road, Kennett, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8QS Tel: 01638 750205 Email: nickwingfielddigby@gmail.com

Sarah Whitney

The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust

Dear Sarah

My involvement with Gerald Leigh started in the 1990’s through my association with Alex Scrope, as a bloodstock agent, and Luca Cumani, the trainer. Through these two, I met Gerald and we became firm friends, resulting in me making regular visits to Eydon Hall Stud to review and examine his bloodstock and be entertained by Anna and the family. Gerald became a great supporter of my veterinary practice in Newmarket (Rossdale & Partners) until his sad and untimely death.

Following this, I was involved in the dispersal sale at Tattersalls of some of Gerald’s bloodstock that were not to be continued to be managed by the family. After this we wanted to create some way of marking Gerald’s contribution to Thoroughbred breeding and we came up with the idea of the annual Gerald Leigh Memorial Lectures to be organised by Beaufort Cottage Educational Trust, of which I was chairman at the time. These annual lectures, financed very generously by The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust, have continued each summer since then and have become increasingly influential in the bloodstock world. After my retirement from my partnership in the practice, I continued to help you with issues that arose in managing The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust business, and in recent years this has been put onto a more formal footing. Through this, I have been able to support you in proposing and managing projects to be supported by the Trust. These projects have principally involved the British Racing School, the National Stud as well as Beaufort Cottage Educational Trust.

The Trust has been invaluable in targeting need and increasing collaboration between other charitable organisations, such as Racing Welfare and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, as well as organisations such as the Horserace Betting Levy Board. You have shown great determination and enthusiasm for bringing together different organisations and seeing the benefits that could arise from providing young people with opportunities that they had not previously imagined. It has been a great honour and pleasure to be involved in this work.

With very best wishes. Yours

sincerely

The Beaufort Cottage Educational Trust

The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust’s Legacy to the Thoroughbred Industry seen through the Beaufort Cottage Educational Trust -

The Beaufort Cottage Educational Trust aims to support educational projects and events for all those involved in the care of horses and disseminate knowledge of the best veterinary and management practices and thereby enhance horse welfare. The now long-lasting partnership with the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust has allowed the two charities to pursue their mutual goals within and beyond the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry to inform, educate and help set the highest standards in horse welfare. The foundations set by the friendship and mutual respect between Gerald Leigh and Nick Wingfield Digby, LVO, BVSc, MRCVS, DL resulted in the thriving collaboration between the charities.

Targeted funding provided by GLCT led to the annual Gerald Leigh Lectures held in Gerald Leigh’s memory at Newmarket. These meetings gather veterinary scientists, clinicians and paraprofessionals to share their specialist knowledge with owners, breeders, trainers, horse carers and bloodstock insurers in convivial surroundings. The lectures are permanently accessible to horse people on the BCET website (https://www.beaufortcottage.com/) thus providing a global impact. The Gerald Leigh Lectures have rapidly become part of the yearly CPD agenda for many horsemen and women. The aim is to perpetuate the series with funding from GLCT and exploring further revenue avenues with collaborative organisations. These talks have covered many pertinent topics over the last decade including enhancing racehorse safety, youngstock growth and development, respiratory and infectious diseases, tendon injuries, enhancing reproductive efficiency. The tenth anniversary talks in 2026 will focus on reproductive loss.

Stimulating interest in equine clinical and research skills is essential to attract the veterinary clinicians and researchers of the future. Funding provided by GLCT allows students to engage and develop these. The “UK Veterinary Summer Scholarship Programme” run together with UK universities for undergraduates are awarded annually. Projects are selected by BCET for their relevance, merit to the equine industry and the didactive worth to the candidate. Students work under the supervision of university researchers. They present their projects and results to an interested audience at Rossdales Hospital & Diagnostic Centre, Exning each December and we are delighted that many of the projects have gone on to be published in peer-reviewed journals.

The Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry is subject to multiple challenges. These relate primarily to equine welfare and the social license to operate. With the GLCT’s active support the BCET Trustees are in the unique position to respond rapidly and independently to the industry’s needs. Two workshops convened international panels of specialists at the Jockey Club Rooms, Newmarket. In May 2020 the “Consensus Conference: Fracture Risk Assessment of the Thoroughbred Fetlock” was held in response to racing regulators applying different pre-race screening protocols in different jurisdictions. In 2024, the “Equine Cognizance & Mental Maturity” workshop investigated the mental maturity of young horses and their aptitude for 2- year-old racing following the introduction of German legislation restricting this to 30 months of age. Both meetings have had global impacts by facilitating continued communications between researchers, clinicians, welfare scientists and racing regulators.

The GLCT provided essential funding through BCET to run the Transatlantic Equine Clinics thus gaining greater exposure in North America. This is a joint educational venture between the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and the American Association of Equine

Practitioners (AAEP). The series of online educational events for equine veterinarians features discussions and debates between leading equine specialists from the UK and the USA, focusing on various clinical topics in equine veterinary medicine.

Research is a conduit to furthering knowledge and education. The Sarah Leigh Legacy provided substantial support for the training programme of specialist equine cardiologists from around the world led by Prof Celia Marr at Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre. The Sarah Leigh legacy also supported leading research into equine reproductive physiology and medicine both at the Royal Veterinary College, London and a project entitled “Serum biomarkers for prediction of placental infection in Thoroughbred broodmares” at Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons. The results continue to help further the understanding of pregnancy loss and management that will hopefully reduce the economic impact for breeders. Equally, further areas of interest leading to the significance of genomics in breed management are being opened.

The impact made by the GLCT on the national and international Thoroughbred industry by promoting equine veterinary research, the dissemination of knowledge and facilitating collaboration amongst all its stakeholders is its legacy. The beneficiaries are the horses and people whose passion it is to provide the best possible care for racing and breeding stock in the interest of the sport and the Thoroughbred breed. Through its work the GLCT, assisted by BCET, has established the reputation of being a generous supporter of equine veterinary science, provider of best quality educational information and promoter of the highest standards of equine welfare and care.

Fred Barrelet, Dip VMS(Bern), Dr.med.vet.(Bern), MRCVS & Camilla Scott, BVetMed, CertAVP(ESM), DACT, MRCVS – Trustees

British Racing School

The British Racing School’s connection with Mr Gerald Leigh dates back to the 1980’s and there has been a named tree for him on our grounds in Newmarket for many years. In 2022, we began our close working relationship with The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust when we were generously gifted a grant to purchase an electric pool vehicle and charging point for the School. This marked the first major step in the British Racing School making changes to cut our carbon emissions and operate in a more environmentally sustainable way going forward. Since then we have planted over 150 trees, started using our on-site bore hole to reduce water dependency on mains supply, increased biodiversity through creating a garden at the Newmarket Pony Academy, installed solar panels which will save over 28 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the next 20 years alone and created educational courses both for our students, and other racing industry stakeholders to consider how to operate in a more environmentally sustainable way going forward.

Ensuring that a young person’s background does not affect their ability to access opportunities has always been something we are passionate about here at The British Racing School. In 2022, we began working closely with The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust to develop a groundbreaking new pathway to attract more young people to consider careers in racing, and to break down financial barriers for those wishing to study and work in the sport. For the first time at the BRS, we were able to offer three ‘Gerald Leigh Racing Experience Weeks’ every year to give young people from a variety of backgrounds a really good insight into the industry, hands on experience, as well as funding for individual students from low income backgrounds to access riding gear and other items they needed to attended courses with us (‘The Gerald Leigh Accessibility Fund.’) Since starting the project in 2023, this new accessibility pathway has already seen many young people join a BRS or National Stud course and are now starting their racing career journeys. As an extension of this project, we then piloted our first Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award residential week in 2024, a partnership brought together by The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust to support young people from low-income families, with equestrian interests, to access a funded residential week to help them complete their Gold Award. These projects have been truly life-changing for many of its participants and are set to support over 200 young people by the time the project concludes in 2026.

In 2025, we re-opened our main yard, following extensive refurbishments which were needed since it was first built over 40 years ago. We are incredibly grateful to The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust for supporting this redevelopment which has significantly elevated the standard of care we provide for our horses and also created a better learning and working environment for our students and staff. This was a pivotal project for the School, forming a major part of our ongoing commitment to provide industry-leading facilities and reflects our mission to prepare students for successful careers in horseracing.

Without supporters such as The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust, we simply couldn’t achieve the level of high-quality outcomes, training and life-changing opportunities to young people who would otherwise not get to experience the joy of working with horses or discover a passion for the sport of horse racing. Thank you for all you have done to champion us over the last few years, and for giving our young people the best opportunities to secure life-long careers in a job they love. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our particular gratitude to Sarah Whitney for her unwavering enthusiasm, support, interest and personal investment she has shown in our work here. All these joint ventures would not have been the success they are without her dedication, commitment and deep understanding about what we are trying to achieve as an organisation.

We are delighted to honour Mr Leigh’s legacy, his generosity and contribution to racing through our main yard redevelopment project, as well as through those young lives who will now fulfil their full potential thanks to you.

From all of us here at The British Racing School, thank you!

Andrew Braithwaite, Chief Executive, The British Racing School

The Childwick Trust has been associated with the British Racing School from its early beginnings and is delighted to have been able to partner with an equally long-standing supporter in the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust to fund the refurbishment of the main yard at the School. A major project. The comprehensive refurbishment of the main yard and surrounding area has resulted in an enhanced working environment for students and staff, as well as providing significantly improved facilities for the horses and their care.

On a personal note, it has been an absolute pleasure to work with Sarah during this project and on behalf of us all at The Childwick Trust, we wish her well in the future.

Peter Anwyl-Harris, Chairman, The Childwick Trust

HEROS

It has been a real privilege to work with the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust, and we are incredibly grateful for the support you have provided to HEROS.

The funding we received has had a significant and lasting impact, particularly in the early development of our Veterinary Extra-Mural Studies (EMS) Programme. This initiative has already proven to be a great success, offering veterinary students invaluable hands-on experience in equine care. One student commented, “We did more in one day than we do in a week,” which speaks volumes about the quality and depth of the learning environment we’ve been able to create thanks to your support.

The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust’s contribution has not only enhanced the welfare of our horses but also helped shape the next generation of equine professionals. It has enabled us to deliver a programme that is both innovative and deeply aligned with our values of education, welfare, and opportunity.

The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive.

Casie Riegel, a final-year vet student, shared “I feel that I have learned more and gotten to do more clinical work with horses than I have in the past 5 years at vet school… This opportunity was extraordinary.”

Rachel MacLeod added “I learned how to take x-rays, scan tendons, perform injections and complete dental exams. I gained so much confidence and would highly recommend this placement to anyone wanting real-world experience.”

These testimonials reflect the transformative impact of the programme and the value of the Trust’s investment in our work.

We would be honoured to be included in the Trust’s final report and are proud to be part of its legacy.

Grace Muir, MBE, CEO & Founder, HEROS

Injured Jockeys Fund

The outdoor rehab area at Jack Berry House, kindly funded by the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust, has now officially been open for one year. It has proven to be a very useful area to have as an addition to our current resources. It has received an unanimously positive response and has been used for a wide variety of patients from professional jockeys to elderly beneficiaries.

It enables a change of environment from the gym / indoors keeping things fresh and interesting. The space allows us to expose users to the types of surfaces and challenges they might experience outside on a yard, racecourse, or stud, to help us best prepare them for a return to work, or for our retired community to safely enjoy outdoor exercise.

344 individuals have accessed Jack Berry House during the period and approximately half will have used the outdoor area as part of their rehabilitation, many others will have enjoyed a game of table tennis or the quiet seating area when they are spending time at the Centre, all contributing to the multi-faceted, wrap around approach to rehabilitation that the IJF are able to offer to jockeys and the wider racing community.

Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive, Injured Jockeys Fund

Jamie’s Farm

When we embarked on our strategy to enter a new community and develop a residential centre for Jamie’s Farm in Yorkshire, we knew it was right for the young people we exist to support. Given the level of need in the region, it was vital for us to expand our operation to the North of England to ensure many more young people who deserved an experience like we offer had that chance.

However, we knew that to do so would require mobilising considerable support.

We are so grateful that Gerald Leight CT was able to provide it. In funding the salary of our Farm Manager at Skipton, it has enabled us to:

  1. Welcome hundreds of pupils to the farm to experience our Day Visit Programme, achieving impact and developing links with partner schools even while the full residential setting was being developed.

  2. Transform the environment of the farm, laying hundreds of metres of hedging, planting thousands of trees and vastly improving the biodiversity, soil health and long-term productivity of the farming operation there.

  3. Embed JF values to a whole new region, offering direct, supportive management to the team and inspiring countless stakeholders – including headteachers, neighbours and volunteers – about what JF will bring to the area.

As a headteacher remarked on a recent Away Days we hosted at the JF Skipton Farm, ‘Every single child should get a Jamie’s Farm experience.’

Your faith in us was vital. As we look forward to the full-scale redevelopment of the site having received planning permission, we hope you feel suitably appreciated for helping us get off the ground.

Thank you.

Jake Curtis, Co-CEO, Jamie’s Farm

New Beginnings

The funding from the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust has been crucial in helping us develop and trial a sustainable model for our TIE (Thoroughbred Interaction and Engagement) programme, utilising our superb new, purpose-built Education Hub. These charitable monies have enabled us to appoint a part-time dedicated Education Programme Project Administrator/Co-ordinator, develop, and deliver several pilots and purchase appropriate safety equipment and educational resources specifically for use within our new Education Programme Pathway. Thank you very much for giving us this wonderful opportunity to develop and deliver meaningful experiences for many young children and young adults. Without the support of the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust, we would have struggled to have achieved this in a timely manner. We are most grateful for this support, and the legacy of this funding is that we will continue our valuable work and help many young people through interaction with thoroughbreds and ponies, developing their life skills, confidence, and outlook. Thank you for helping us make this happen.

Kevin and Pam Atkinson, Co-CEO’s and Co-Founders of New Beginnings

The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust’s contribution to so many worthy initiatives within the thoroughbred racing, breeding and veterinary industries, for horses and people over the last 50 years, has been immense. Godolphin was delighted to collaborate with them on a recent fundraising project for New Beginnings. We have enjoyed working with Sarah Whitney and the professionalism for the Trust throughout the grant making process has been exemplary.

Penny Taylor, UK Charities Manager, Godolphin

Collaborative funder with the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust with the new Education Hub at New Beginnings

What a wonderful effort by you and your Trustees, Sarah. Quite clearly, the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust has made a massive difference to both Equines and Humans within Racing and many other welfare areas”.

Nigel Payne MBE, The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust

Collaborative funder with the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust with the new Education Hub at New Beginnings.

PHAB

A big THANK YOU from Phab to the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust!

Since 2022, with thanks to the generous support of the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust, young carers and disabled adults have had the chance to swap everyday stress, for a residential away from home full of adventure, laughter, and discovery. Over the past four years, you’ve helped create “Phab” memories that will last a lifetime.

Your funding also brought two organisations together, Phab and Chums, to help us engage young carers who are often overlooked whilst pooling resources, skills, and knowledge — all working towards the common goal of giving young carers support and a much-needed break. This partnership has shown just how important collaborative working is, and it is a model we are committed to carrying forward into the future.

Young Carers at Bendrigg Lodge, Outdoor Centre in the Lake District

So far, forty-one young carers have joined our Phab Adventure residentials, supported by fifteen therapists, Phab staff and volunteers. Residentials were held in 2022, 2024, 2025 and another is due to be held in 2026.

Together, they tried climbing, canoeing, abseiling, campfire nights, and team challenges. For many, it was their first time away from home to just be kids — no responsibilities, no worries, just pure fun.

One 12-year-old told us, “I liked going caving, it was amazing. The caves were really cool, and it was a once in a lifetime experience. We all got options, and we were given a choice and not made to feel bad if we backed out. I loved it, it was a great experience, and I am sad to go home. The volunteers and staff are amazing; they were very kind making sure everyone was ok, giving us choice and making sure the quiet ones were heard”.

Moments like this show the power of encouragement, teamwork, and the freedom to try something new.

Adults in Hampshire

Forty adults spent a long weekend enjoying social activities and outdoor challenges.

From archery and zip-wires to woodland walks and bush craft, they tried things they never thought they would — and discovered new confidence along the way. The social aspect was a very important part of the weekend, and shared meals and campfire evenings helped build friendships and break down isolation.

One participant arrived anxious and unsure, but by the last evening they told us, “ I loved all of it, I went on my first canoe and going to the top of the zip wire was great, I was very proud of myself.”

Looking Ahead

The adventure isn’t over yet! In 2026, one more young carer’s residential will take place over four days, with another fifteen more children set to benefit and we can’t wait to see the joy and confidence they will gain.

The Gerald Leigh Chariable Trust Legacy

Because of your funding:

These are not simply time away from home — they are turning points, full of fun, confidence, and hope and none of it would have happened without the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust.

From Phab and everyone who has benefited, thank you for every smile, every memory, and every Phab Adventure you have made possible.

Rebecca Hargreaves, National Projects and Development Manager, PHAB

Racing to School

Racing to School is grateful for the longstanding support and enthusiasm of the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust for its work. Since 2022, the unique, fully funded learning opportunities we are able to offer through the Gerald Leigh Racing to School Education Programme have engaged 3,598 young people to date, from traditionally harder to reach communities across Britain, supporting them to apply their classroom-based knowledge in a real world setting through curriculum led activities. For many of those young people, the programme will have seen them take their first steps onto a racecourse to experience the thrilling sport of horseracing, with many groups opting for a follow up session to cement their learning and explore careers within the sport either back in school or, for those local, at our sister charity New Beginnings’ Education Hub in Yorkshire.

The programme’s success has been built on a partnership, and the genuine commitment of the Trust to support work with the greatest impact.

The impact of this bespoke programme can be found in the qualitative and quantitative feedback we collect after every activity day, which in the 2024-25 programme was consistently higher than across other Racing to School programmes. In that period, pupil feedback indicated that 65% strongly or slightly agreed that the day helped them with their maths; 64% strongly or slightly agreed that their team working skills had improved; 68% strongly or slightly agreed that they felt more self-confident and 94% rated their overall experience as either excellent or good. For 81% of pupils, it was their first time visiting a racecourse, with 93% saying they would like to return.

Teachers also recognise the impact of the programme, with 100% agreeing the day enriched pupils’ learning.

A selection of what pupils and teachers have to say is below.

“I was surprised I was able to get so close to a horse and it was amazing. We got to wear Jockey jackets and discover and learn a whole lot of new things. Altogether it was a really good time.” Keaton, attended a day at Newcastle

I thought today was amazing. I learnt so much, like horses have to warm up, and a furlong is a unit (of measurement.) I would definitely come back. Seth, attended a day at Sedgefield

“When a disadvantaged child who would never have been racing says she doesn’t want to go home, you know it’s been a good day!” Mrs Hillhouse, Teacher

“Often, transport costs are the restricting factor in what trips we're able to offer our children. It really does make all the difference to schools like us where the parent community aren't able to contribute to the cost of a trip and the school budget won't cover coach hire.” Jo George, Teacher

John Blake, Chief Executive, Racing to School

Racing Welfare

We are honoured to be able to provide the following testimonial about our partnership with the GLCT.

Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive Officer, Racing Welfare

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Impact of The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust on DofE since 2022

The GLCT has directly contributed £85,000 to the DofE Resilience Fund, enabling thousands of marginalised and disadvantaged young people to do their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards throughout the UK: boys like Jordan (not his real name) from Gateshead, who has autism and anxiety disorder. His mum says “Every time our son comes back from a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award event …he has matured a little more, learned so many life skills and beyond! He is always full of new knowledge and exciting stories about his latest adventure, and we are forever grateful for that, along with the experiences he has had – which we never thought would be possible … He has had the best time!”

Groups like the students at Mo Mowlem Academy in Teesside have also benefited. Graeme Lewis, the DofE Manager at the school says “Without the Resilience funding, our students, who come from deprived backgrounds, would not be able to access the DofE. They have demonstrated their resilience throughout their DofE journey. They have all enjoyed learning their new skills, working together as a team, which has got stronger over time. They have all been a credit to the school and themselves, for what they have achieved. This is only possible through funding received as our equipment was begged, stole and borrowed from staff, but now we have some equipment bought from funding received”.

One student said: "This has been one of the best experiences I have had even though it has been tough, but I have really enjoyed it ". The equipment will now be used for our next cohort of students who have opted for their Bronze Award in September.”

These are just two examples of how the support from the GLCT is making a huge difference, and these will be repeated across the UK with other groups, and more young people.

As important as this direct support is the development of our partnership with the British Racing School, introduced and encouraged by the GLCT through the imaginative foresight and problemsolving of Sarah Whitney in picking up the parallels between our programmes, and realising that the programme for Gerald Leigh Racing Experience Weeks at the BRS could easily map on to the DofE’s Gold Residential requirement.

The Residential Requirement can be a huge barrier to marginalised young people completing the Gold level of the DofE, as there are very few free residential opportunities. The GLCT supported and encouraged the BRS to become one of the DofE’s Approved Activity Providers. The GLCT has further granted the BRS with to date £35,000, and hence indirectly the DofE, for 10 DofE individuals in the first year, 25 individuals this year and hopefully similar numbers next year, on BRS “Introduction to Racing” courses. This has allowed these marginalised young people with disabilities, from refugee backgrounds, and disadvantaged by economic circumstances to complete their DofE Gold Residential. Two celebrated receiving their Golds at Buckingham Palace in May 2025 and we anticipate that many more will now do so next year. A number of participants have also shown significant interest in pursuing further courses at the BRS and National Stud, which would lead to career opportunities within the horse racing and breeding industry, and veterinary profession.

Frankie, one of the course participants in 2024 said “The Residential has got me thinking about different jobs within horse riding – there’s so many different elements that you don’t realise. They offered so much at the Residential, I was so grateful it was fully funded. Before I always

thought you had to be born into the horse racing industry, and there weren’t many opportunities to be involved. But everyone at the BRS was so open minded and welcoming. Riding the horses was the best thing. We really worked as a team to understand each horse.”

Frankie’s cohort included Ethan (ET), who has additional needs and is a young carer for his mother, and he now has a part-time job at his local stables. And already there has been some amazing feedback from this year’s cohort.

The success of this course has prompted the DofE to look at developing similar partnerships with other organisations to expand Gold Residential opportunities, and to increase the average bursary level of direct grants through their Resilience Fund.

The GLCT’s involvement with our DofE programmes has created a huge impact. As reported in the DofE’s “Understanding our Impact” report earlier this year, using the Wellby method following UK Treasury Guidance 2023 prices, the social value of completing the DofE Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, is on average £4,200, £6,000 and £7,400 respectively per person. It has been such a great partnership with the GLCT. Thank you!

Deb Dowdall, Relationships Manager, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Racing Foundation

The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust has supported a long list of very worthwhile and impactful projects! It has invested a significant level of funding into a variety of charitable causes since inception and should be commended for the impact this has had on the charities and beneficiaries it has supported.

In particular, it has been instrumental in developing a number of projects and initiatives that have greatly benefited the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industries and the veterinary education and research sectors. Many of these have been pioneering activities that have been developed and delivered through partnerships between the Trust and key delivery providers, whose impact will be felt for many years. In this way the Trust has created a long-lasting legacy through its funding.

The Trust has also been an extremely valuable member of the Racing Industry Grantmakers' Network, which has led to sharing of knowledge, best practise and a number of joint-funding opportunities to further increase the impact of our combined support. This has especially been the case for a number of youth engagement projects that aim to make the racing and breeding industries more accessible and open to all as well as enriching the lives of the participants and providing them with life skills and opportunities.

The Racing Foundation has worked directly with the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust for a number of years, including the co-funding of a number of equine science research projects; supporting the Entry to Stud Employment Programme delivered by the National Stud and Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, supporting Racing to School's Education Programme, specifically aimed at schools located in inner-city and deprived areas across the UK; and a number of youth engagement projects run by the British Racing School. We have also had a number of other beneficiaries in common, such as Racing Welfare, Injured Jockeys Fund, National Horseracing Museum and the former Animal Health Trust. We have seen first-hand the difference the Trust has made to people welfare, equine welfare, community engagement and social impact.

Tansy Challis, Chief Executive, The Racing Foundation

The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association

The TBA has been privileged to receive substantial and regular support from the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust since its establishment in 1974. This partnership has reflected Mr Leigh's enduring commitment to advancing scientific understanding in reproductive management and veterinary care for mares and stallions, ultimately benefiting the entire thoroughbred breeding industry.

The GLCT's donations were instrumental in supporting the TBA's Equine Fertility Unit, an internationally recognised centre of excellence led by Professor W R 'Twink' Allen from the early 1970s until 2007. This funding contributed towards a body of groundbreaking research that transformed our understanding of equine fertility and pregnancy, leading to practical innovations including:

These advances have delivered significant improvements in reproductive efficiency across the industry, enabling increased breeding capacity per stallion while improving both fertility rates and live foal outcomes. The funds also helped to support the EFU in its role as an important training environment, supporting numerous veterinary students and scientists who subsequently contributed to equine research establishments worldwide.

Beyond the Equine Fertility Unit, the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust has supported broader TBA veterinary research initiatives, including equine infectious disease monitoring and diagnostic services delivered by the Animal Health Trust, and other related research programmes. More recently, the GLCT has collaborated with the TBA to support the Small Grants Equine Science Veterinary Research Programme.

Through sustained and regular donations, the GLCT has helped to create a lasting legacy, enabling the thoroughbred breeding industry to advance its veterinary and stud management programmes while maintaining the highest standards of equine welfare.

The relationship between the GLCT and the TBA will continue into 2026, when the TBA is delighted to be collaborating with the Beaufort Cottage Educational Trust’s 2026 Gerald Leigh Veterinary Lectures in Newmarket on “Breeding for Success – Tackling Reproductive Loss in the Thoroughbred Industry”.

Caroline Turnball, Industry Education and Retention Manager, The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association

The Wavertree Education Trust

The support we have received from the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust has evidently been very impactful, supporting an array of learners and playing an instrumental role in improving industry recruitment and retention. Also, the guidance and advice from Sarah Whitney has always been beneficial and has played a big part in how we move the programmes forward with regards to collaboration and inclusion. Although our students need more practice at rounders to be able to win against the British Racing School, we hope that this joining of cohorts across providers will help build lasting working relationships between students and allow us to use each other’s resources to benefit all learners.

Support from the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust has been fundamental to the success of the bloodstock education programmes at The National Stud over the last 10 years. Their generosity has not only enabled us to deliver innovative and engaging training but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the thoroughbred industry. By investing in education, the Trust has helped us to break down barriers to entry, promote inclusivity, and ensure that learners from all backgrounds can thrive. The impact of this support is evident in the achievements of our alumni, who are now employed across the globe in leading breeding enterprises, filling vital roles and contributing to the ongoing strength of the sector.

The National Stud Access Courses, which provide essential training for individuals with little or no prior equine experience, are a clear example of this impact. These courses equip learners with the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills required to gain employment within the industry. At a time when recruitment and retention remain significant challenges, the Access Courses have proven to be an invaluable pipeline of talent, with 70% of participants since 2020 continuing to work in industry-related roles. Delivering this level of opportunity requires sustained investment, and we are deeply grateful that the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust has made it possible through its continued and generous support.

“Firstly, the Thoroughbred Industry Access course taught me how to confidently handle thoroughbreds of all ages and temperaments. By gaining these skills, I was able to successfully apply for the Level 3 programme, a key milestone of my 2025 goals. If I had chosen to go directly into industry, the skills learnt would have enabled me to apply for a wide variety of jobs within thoroughbred breeding. Secondly, being based at The National Stud in Newmarket, the heart of the horseracing world, provided me with the opportunity to form new contacts with respected members of the industry. Be it Stallion Managers at other studs we visited, Bloodstock Agents from spending time at the July sales or Managing Directors of racecourses, their experiences, insights, and advice shared with us were invaluable. Finally, the course helped me develop relevant personal skills and allowed me to realise where I must improve to ensure that I succeed in the industry”. Zac Castledine, Thoroughbred Industry Access graduate 2025.

The Level 3 Stud Management and Sales Consignment course is also a flagship programme, widely recognised as one of the leading routes for producing the next generation of industry leaders. With an inclusive, practical, and highly relevant curriculum, it has achieved an outstanding 93% industry retention rate among graduates. This success is only achievable because of the Trust’s commitment to accessibility funding, which ensures that financial barriers do not prevent talented individuals from pursuing a career in the thoroughbred world.

The Trust’s vision is also reflected in the prestigious Gerald Leigh Scholarship for Career Development in the Thoroughbred Industry. This initiative has enabled graduates to expand their

skills and experiences internationally, strengthening not only their own career trajectories but also the wider industry.

A previous scholarship winner, Sophie Mellet, used this opportunity to gain invaluable experience in Australia and France with leading consignors: “The bursary from the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust transformed my career. It gave me opportunities to travel and learn how different racing and breeding enterprises operate globally. The knowledge, experiences, and people that I encountered whilst abroad have helped shape me as a person and led me into the direction of the industry that I currently work in today.” - Sophie Mellet, 2021 Gerald Leigh Scholarship for Career Development in the Thoroughbred Industry winner.

The National Stud is immensely proud of the achievements made possible through the generosity of the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust. Their ongoing support has not only created lifechanging opportunities for individuals but has also safeguarded the future of the thoroughbred breeding industry by investing in its most vital resource — its people.

Abbie Taylor, Education Manager, The National Stud

The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust has been a wonderful supporter of the Wavertree Education Trust, over the last ten years. The GLCT has helped us with funding to enable TWET to develop tomorrow’s equine staff at The National Stud. However, GLCT has been much more than a source of funds. The sharing of their knowledge, and their “best practice” has been invaluable to us. Furthermore, the GLCT have been innovative, and interested, and have forged excellent relationships both with the Wavertree Education Trust, and with the students. We very much enjoy collaborating with GLCT.

William Sporborg, Chair of Trustees, The Wavertree Education Trust

The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust has long been one of the most impactful and trusted partners of the National Stud’s Education Programme. The format and structure of our courses have been through a period of significant change over the past 5 years and GLCT has been at the forefront in supporting the team in its endeavours to enhance relevance, diversity and accessibility.

Anna Kerr, Chief Executive, The National Stud

Gerald Leigh was a remarkable man who managed to turn his talents to horse breeding on an internationally successful scale. His inquisitive mind was something I was always struck by, and he used this to great effect when ascending the bloodstock world.

Through the GLCT, he has given a pathway for many to follow in his footsteps. This is a huge tribute to the man who had the foresight, patience and energy to achieve his goals with great modesty.

Lord Grimthorpe, Chairman of The National Stud

WheelPower

We are hugely grateful to the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust for their wonderful support of the Inter Spinal Unit Games here at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. Each year, around 100 newly paralysed men and women attend the Games and have the opportunity to try and compete in over 20 different sports. As someone who has lived with a spinal injury for over 45 years, I never cease to be amazed by the impact this event has in transforming people’s lives. We see firsthand how sport supports rehabilitation, improving physical health and wellbeing, building confidence, and helping people discover what is possible after injury. Just as importantly, it changes perceptions, breaks down barriers, and creates a sense of community and belonging. Thanks to the generosity of the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust, we can continue to provide this life-changing opportunity to people at the start of their journey, giving them hope and inspiration for the future.

Thanks to the generous funding from The Gerald Leigh Trust, to date, WheelPower has been able to welcome over 350 spinal cord-injured patients to Stoke Mandeville Stadium to take part in the Inter Spinal Unit Games since 2022.

Some quotes from recent participants are shown below.

“I’ve really enjoyed the Games, and it’s been an eye opener to the things you can do. It’s been good to try out lots of things I wouldn’t normally try, like the wheelchair rugby, weightlifting, wheelchair tennis and handcycling, and my competitive juices came out which was quite nice. I loved the basketball, but I really liked the physicality of the rugby and will look into a local club when I get home." Mo, 47, Stanmore Spinal Unit Team 2022.

“Taking part in the Spinal Games was an incredible experience. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many athletes, all pushing their limits and trying new sports. I had the chance to explore different activities, but archery and fencing really stood out to me. After an introduction and practice, winning the archery event felt like an amazing achievement. The sense of camaraderie and the joy of competing made the entire event unforgettable.” Laura, Belfast Spinal Unit 2023.

“The Games opened my eyes and I’m glad I got to try so many different sports. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to attend”. Mark, 38, Stoke Mandeville Team 2024.”

To follow on the next page, is a copy of the forward from HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO and WheelPower’s Patron, from WheelPower’s 2025 Inter Spinal Unit Games which took place at Stoke Mandeville Stadium from 16[th] -18[th] September 2025, which was supported by the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust.

Martin McElhatton OBE, Chief Executive, WheelPower

The Inter Spinal Unit Games at Stoke Mandeville

Benefits for Participants who attend the Games -

Benefits to the Spinal Unit/Staff who attend the Games –

Feedback from Participants from the 2025 Inter Spinal Unit Games –

“I did not realise the amount and scope of different activities that are available to people with limited mobility. In addition, the easiness of some activities, which previously I would have thought of as difficult”. Mark, Oswestry.

“A lovely experience, nothing like I expected. Lots of good fund with different people from all over the UK and Republic of Ireland. Thank you so much”. Dot, Oswestry.

“I have enjoyed the past few days. It has been interesting learning new sports and activities and meeting other people with disabilities. Since being home, I’d like to source local tennis or badminton clubs”. Alison, Oswestry.

“I have definitely taken so much away from the last few days. The whole team has been fantastic. I don’t think I have smiled so much post spinal cord injury”. Craig, Glasgow.

“Up there with one of the most inspirational experiences of my life”. Steve, Glasgow.

“I’m so buzzing to try out some sports and hopefully be playing with a team in to time.” Steven, Glasgow.

Feedback from Participants from the 2024 Inter Spinal Unit Games -

“It’s a really fantastic event that opened my eyes to so many opportunities in sport. It was definitely the pinnacle of all my rehab. I’m still not over the second-place table tennis”. Dublin.

“Rugby was the last sport I wanted to try post spinal cord injury, but after playing at the Games, I am now playing competitively.” Dean, Glasgow.

“A brilliant week that I won’t forget. Memories for life and I had so much fun. I am now pursuing disability sports coaching at college after my experience at the Games.” Paul, Glasgow.

“Such an amazing experience for life skills as well as sporting activities. I have since been on five flights, one of them just two weeks after the Games, so that I could present a conference in London. The overall experience gives you confidence meeting new people, pushing your boundaries and getting to know and direct your needs. Hugely beneficial to living life post spinal cord injury and great fun”. David (ex-MP), Glasgow.

Lynsey Warnock, Team Lead Physiotherapist, Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow

AGSHOT PARK It is My Bre•t ple•suTe to welcome you to Wheelpower's 2025 Irrtersplnal Unlt Gomes here it Stoke Mandevllle Stadlum, the birthplace of the Paralymplc movement and a truly Ins￿rIn8 plate to be8ln yourlourney In sport. These G•mes Offer • unlque opportunlty to explore i wlde ranB• Ot 5POrts and athlYe5, helplng you d15fftr wh•t you enjoy and what you may wlsh to condnue after thls event. Sport and physlcal acdvlty can play a vltal role your rehabllltatlon, helpln8to rebulld strength. cot)lfjdence, and Independence. Many who havecome before you ha￿ found ih•t Sport Is noi onw • w•yi¢ Stty•¢fjve bvt also a powerful tool for enhan¢ln8 physlul •nd meAt•l well-btlni, fosierlni frlendshlps, •nd openln8d¢ots to new experln¢es. WheelPower are cornrnltted to 5uppordng you, not only durlni these Games but throughout yourlourney Into an atllve life. Whether you are tryltw • sport for ihe Arsi ¢fme or redls¢o¥erln8 your ¢ornpefjtl¥e 5plrll, we wan¢ to help you a¢hleve your ptrwn•l bv5t. These Game5 are the cornerstone of Wheelpower's mlsslon. and we are proud to pThlde ar+ envlronrnent where you can challen8e yourself. connect wlth others. and create lasttn8 memorl¢s. Ngne of thls would b¢ posslble wlthout the dedlutyon of ou o•¢hes. volunteers. eveni or8•nlsers. •nd the 8eneroslty of our donors ind supp¢rters, in¢ludinB the Gerald LelBh Charitable T¥u5t, whos• OntrIbu￿On$ ensure that th15 event Con￿nueS to chan8e lfves year after year. We hope that your tlme hefe Is Nlled wlth Insplrnllon. achle¥erner*t. and loy. Sport has th¢ pow¢r to translorm Ilves. •nd we w•nt you to know th•1 Wheelpower wlll be here for you now and In the future. helplnl st•y •¢ty¥e •nd fonnert•d io • ¢ommunity th•t bellevls In your potefityll. Enioyevery rnoment. embrncè new challer8e5. and most of all. hb¥e funl Good luck to all the teams taklw part th15 ￿lf, l ¥Ash you v4ery success. HRH The Duche5501 Edlnbur¥h G Patron