Shining Bright - The Starr Trust Celebrates Its Young Starrs and the Supporters Who Make It Possible

On Thursday 29th October, around 100 guests gathered in The Long Room at Sussex County Cricket Club for the Starr Trust’s Annual Celebration Night, sponsored by Seico Insurance & Mortgages and kindly supported by the Cricket Club. Young Starrs and their families joined Ambassadors, business supporters and generous individuals who have gone above and beyond for the cause.

The evening was hosted by Chairman Rob Starr MBE, Head of Partnerships Tracey Starr and Ambassador Jason Burrill, an actor whose credits include Marvel films. Jason explained that becoming an Ambassador was an easy choice: having faced his own struggles, he understands the difficulties many young people experience, and the Starr Trust provides the support they need.

Meeting the Young Starrs

The Starr Trust supports young people aged 10 to 25, removing roadblocks to help them succeed and thrive. The highlight of the evening was Jason’s conversation with three Young Starrs who have all overcome personal challenges and shown remarkable determination in pursuing their dreams.

Lenny has been performing for around 12 years, from community productions in Eastbourne to Les Misérables at the Royal Albert Hall for the Royal Variety Show. Support from the Trust is helping with his living costs so he can focus on his training. Lenny said: “I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities the award has given me. I would never have dreamed that I would perform at the Royal Albert Hall before the Starr Trust chose to believe in me.”

Kyah is in her fourth year at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, balancing demanding studies with hospital placements. She told guests: “The support from the Starr Trust has opened up the opportunity for me to continue my studies and follow my dream of becoming a psychiatrist, so that I can make a positive difference to other people’s lives in the future.”

Ryan is an exceptionally talented table tennis player who has been ranked as high as number two in England and has represented his country internationally. He said: “With the support of the Trust, I’ve learnt to follow my dreams and always believe in myself.”

As Jason reminded the room, the talent and hard work belong to the young people themselves. The Trust’s role is to help remove the obstacles standing in their way.

A year of fundraising

Ryan Heal, CEO of Best of British Events, announced that £12,000 had been raised at this year’s Best of British Tunbridge Wells with Olympic legend Daley Thompson CBE, and the Best of British Raceday Season Finale at Brighton Racecourse. Auction prizes included a one-to-one training session with Daley, a week’s pass to David Lloyd’s Chelsea Harbour Club from Ambassador Fran Dirand, and a private skating experience with Patron Robin Cousins MBE at Worthing Ice Rink.

The Highland Bike Challenge also raised £12,000, thanks to sponsorship from Matt Smith of Webtrends Optimize and The Implant Centre, whose team members Sally, Anna and Dan also took on the 222-mile ride. Thanks went to volunteers Chris Gilkes and Mark Archer, and to Dean Brandon and Tracey Starr for running the support vehicle.

The Networking with Balls Pool League, run by Jade Trewin alongside David Quinton of Metro Bank, was thanked for gifting the Trust a team place and hosting fundraising throughout the year, as were the players who give up their time each month: Laura Boyle of Bennett Oakley Solicitors, Amanda Minty of Minty Ink, Julie Stavely, Marcia, Pinky, Jaz and Louis.

Andy Page of Seico Group and Dave Moon-Watson organised the Regency Round Table’s Bond-themed ball, Licence to Thrill, which raised an impressive £4,000.

Special thanks also went to Evergreen, Brighton CCTV and Kaiser Carpet Cleaning for their regular donations, with certificates presented to Christopher Dean of Brighton CCTV and Jed Freedman of Kaiser Carpet Cleaning.

Closing the evening, Rob Starr MBE said: “On behalf of all at the Starr Trust, thank you to every one of our supporters for helping us make such an impact on young people’s lives.” Rob invited guests to read the Trust’s first Impact Report at starrtrust.org/impact-report

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Photography credit: Sam Stephenson

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