Starr Trust celebration night thanks business supporters and marks achievements
17th March 2025
Author EditorPosted on Categories Networking & Events
Event celebrates milestones of 2024.
On Friday, February7, the Starr Trust held a celebration night to acknowledge what it achieved in 2024 – thanks to the kind support of local businesses and individuals. During the year, the Starr Trust was able to support an incredible 59 disadvantaged young people and has already awarded grants for 19 more so far in 2025, including a group project.
Young Starr Coralie, who is being supported by the Trust, and spoke at the celebration night. She said: “The Starr Trust has been vital in supporting me both as an actor, but also as a young person transitioning into adulthood. I’m growing from the adversity that had held me back into a fully-fledged, adult member of society and thriving in my life. Without the Starr Trust, I wouldn’t have been able to continue training at DMA London, which for me is like a lifeline and a second family.
“success over these three years has skyrocketed, with a highlight being cast as the lead in the 2024 Vanish advertising campaign. This has allowed me to share my story with others, so those who maybe felt underrepresented or misunderstood at some point can feel seen in my story. I’m not sure I’d be where I am at all today without the Starr Trust. It has truly changed my life and turned it around for the better, as it has for so many young people.”
Rob Starr announced that, in 2025, the charity will be encouraging businesses to get creative and consider hosting events or finding other exciting new ways their businesses may be able to raise funds to help the Trust support even more young people.
The Starr Trust is not holding a Winter Ball this year. Instead Rekha Sohun, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton, will be hosting a ‘New Year’s Eve Ball for a Cause’ in aid of the Starr Trust. The ball is set to be a carnival-themed night with a percentage of ticket sales and an auction going to the Trust.
NIcholas Taylor, Partner of Healys LLP, presented a cheque to the Starr Trust on the night to show his firm’s ongoing support. Nick said: “As an Ambassador of the Starr Trust, I am proud to support their incredible work in empowering young people and helping them overcome some of their challenges in their lives. Healys LLP is delighted to contribute £3,000 to this fantastic cause, ensuring that more young people have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.”
Kurt and Remi, of Evergreen Waste Management, are continuing to donate 1% of all profits to the Starr Trust.
Matt Smith, of Webtrends Optimize, pledged to continue support and, having caught the bike bug in 2024, is co-organising a bike ride for this year along with Guy from the Implant Centre, who will also be kindly donating sponsorship money this year.
Other businesses the Starr Trust would like to thank for pledging their support for 2025 include James Mallinson, of Servo Private Wealth, Amanda Minty, of Minty Ink, Sam Thomas, of Firmballs, and Steve Cropper, of Gemini Print Solutions.
Thanks go to DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton, Fabricate and Mascol for making the night such a success.
Thank you to all Ambassadors – Fran Dirand, Simon Haffenden, Paige Collins, Stephanie Prior, Nick Taylor, Robin Cousins MBE, Jason Burrill and Claire Martin.
If your business would like to get involved, discuss your ideas via tracey@starrtrust.org.