Being part of the Starr Trust journey

My name is Tracey Starr and supporting young people through my work with The Starr Trust is not just something I do, it is part of who I am.

I understand how important it is for children and young people to feel supported and believed in. Not every child grows up with the same opportunities, and that is exactly why the work we do matters so much.

We are a family run charity, founded and funded by my brother, who is not only the driving force behind the organisation but also my rock in both work and life. We feel like we are an accidental charity, it was started after we lost our Dad and initially wanted to do something in his memory and to make us feel better.  Being part of that journey, and playing a hands on role in fundraising and community engagement, is something I am incredibly proud of.

My role within Starr Trust centres largely around fundraising and building relationships within the local community. From race days and black tie balls to sporting tournaments and smaller grassroots events, I help organise and promote fundraising initiatives that enable us to continue supporting young people. Every raffle prize sourced and business that agrees to sponsor or donate all add up to real, tangible help for a child or family who needs it.

Fundraising is about far more than asking for money. It is about storytelling, connection, and trust. It means helping people understand that their contribution, whether large or small, can directly impact a young person’s future. I spend a great deal of time speaking to local businesses and supporters sharing the stories behind the applications we receive and explaining how their generosity can fund opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

We support young people in many ways- often they are incredibly talented and hardworking but lack the financial backing or network to take the next step. Sometimes what they need most is not just funding, but the knowledge that someone believes in them.

As a single mother, this part resonates with me deeply. I have three boys of my own and I see every day how important encouragement and stability are in shaping a child’s outlook and ambition. I know how much of a difference it makes when children feel safe, valued and supported. I also know that I am fortunate. Not all children are as lucky as mine.

I understand the pressures families can face and I know that pride can sometimes stop people from asking for help. That is why we work hard to ensure The Starr Trust feels approachable and supportive. Because we are a family run organisation, everything we do feels personal. Decisions are not made in a detached boardroom but through genuine discussion and careful consideration. My brother’s vision and generosity have created something very special and working alongside him is both a privilege and a responsibility. His belief in giving back has inspired me to constantly look for new ways to grow our impact.

The community plays a huge role in everything we achieve. The businesses that donate prizes, the individuals who attend events and the volunteers who give up their time are all part of The Starr Trust story. Fundraising events may look glamorous on the surface, but behind the scenes there is a lot of hard work and I embrace that challenge because I know what the outcome means. The bonus is that I now have friends who started as business contacts and so their involvement is not just ticking boxes but is genuine.

The most rewarding moments are when we see the results of that work – when a young person writes to say thank you or parents tell us that the support lifted a weight from their shoulders, those moments remind me why I do what I do.

The reason I love my role in the charity is that it is about showing young people that their dreams are valid and that someone is willing to invest in them. It is about creating a ripple effect, because when you support a child today you influence the adult they become tomorrow. For me, this work is not just a role. Backing young people when it matters most, because young people matter. If we can help even one young person feel seen, supported and empowered to pursue their future, then every event organised, every call made and every hour invested is worth it.

Tracey Starr
Partnership Liaison

Tel: 01273 715882