Celebration Night thanks business supporters and celebrates Young Starrs’ achievements in 2024

On Friday 7^th February, the Starr Trust were delighted to hold a celebration night to acknowledge what we have achieved with the kind support of local businesses and individuals. In 2024, the Starr Trust were able to support an incredible 59 disadvantaged young people and have 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 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. My success over these 3 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 us support even more young people who are reaching out to us for a helping hand in 2025.  The Starr Trust are not holding a Winter Ball this year, instead Rekha Sohun – General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole - 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 fun filled 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 which already has enabled us to support a number of young people. 

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, Steve Cropper of Gemini Print Solutions. 

Thank you to DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, Fabricate and Mascol for making the night such a success. 

Thank you to all our Ambassadors who continue to spread the word and support the Starr Trust:

Fran Dirand, Simon Haffenden, Paige Collins, Stephanie Prior, Nick Taylor, Robin Cousins MBE, Jason Burrill and Claire Martin OBE.

If your business would like to get involved, to discuss your ideas please contact: tracey@starrtrust.org

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