Bondholders join forces to support children’s charity

Representatives from a number of Marketing Derby Bondholders have joined the development board of Over the Wall Camp.

Geldards chairman David Williams leads the group that includes Ian Morgan, director of the Wellglade Group (parent company of bus operator trentbarton and current High Sheriff of Derbyshire.

They are joined by Simon Carnall, chief operating officer at Derby County, Phillip Ellis, former business development director at Bowmer + Kirkland and now business development manager at Work Wallet and former Derby Telegraph editor Neil White.

Since 1999, Over the Wall Camp has provided UK breaks for children and young people with long term health conditions and disabilities.

It is a partner organisation of the SeriousFun Children’s Network camps, set up in the US by Hollywood actor Paul Newman.

After 26 years of setting up temporary camps for children and their families, Over the Wall Camp now has a 40-year lease for the former Ockbrook School site to become its new headquarters and permanent base for its award-winning residential and other programmes.

The site will also be offered to other charities and community groups who would like to use the facilities, which will be developed in phases over the coming years.

Chief executive Kevin Mathieson said: “Coming to Over the Wall Camp, is a life-changer for children and their families.

“We will be able to offer even more services at the Ockbrook site and are very excited about the plans for it to become a world-leading site.

“We have been blown away by the support we have received, and this includes our excellent development board who have all played significant parts in local businesses and charities over several decades.

“They will be galvanising others to be involved in making this project happen, from those who be turning our ambitions architect’s plans into reality to companies looking for a partner for Environmental, Social and Governance policies.

“We want as many people as possible to join us on a journey to create an environment that will enrich the lives of thousands of children who will have opportunities beyond their dreams.”

Over the Wall Camp is aiming to open phase one of the Ockbrook site in the summer of 2026.