Dad urges Bondholders to back charity fund

A Derby dad has launched Derventio Housing Trust’s charity fund appeal after it helped him get back on his feet by buying him a pair of work boots.

Gary Turnbull is one of more than 130 people to have been supported this year by Sylvester’s Fund, a charitable pot of money managed by Derventio.

Diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia and autism, Gary had been referred to Derventio’s services having been made redundant.

For a time, he was unable afford to feed his family, but managed to turn things around with the help of various organisations, including Derventio, and has since found his ideal job as a tiler.

But in order to take part in the qualification course, he needed a pair of steel-capped boots, which he could not manage to pay for himself. Gary was bought the boots through Sylvester’s Fund.

He is now urging businesses and individuals to lend their support and back the fund so others can benefit.

He said: “There are so many out there needing the opportunity to make it. The cost of the boots is irrespective of the value it creates in the long term.

“I don’t think anyone thinks any donation or contribution is too small. There’s not enough support out there.

“For a young man, the ability to get the support from any business to get people on their feet and learning a trade or skills of any form is beneficial to the whole country.

“I have got the rest of my life stretching out ahead of me – and I now have the ability to be successful in my own right.

“Two years ago, I saw myself in a hole I was never going to get out of, not living, just existing. Now I’m at the top of that hole, looking down, and I’m so grateful I’m not there anymore.”

To donate to Sylvester’s Fund, visit here.