Jack Petchey Foundation recognises young people from Brentwood for amazing achievements

Sir Jack founded the Jack Petchey Foundation in 1999 to recognise the positive contributions young people make to society and to support them in achieving their potential. Since then, the Foundation has supported over 1.2m young people through our programmes across London and Essex and has invested over £170m in young people and youth organisations.

Following his recent passing, Sir Jack’s legacy will be the continuing work of the Foundation to support young people. This includes the celebration events that shine a light on young people and their achievements.

As Sir Jack Petchey CBE always said: “I am passionate about our awards scheme which enables young people to be recognised, valued and rewarded for their achievements and positive contributions to society.”

74 incredible young people from Guides EW in Brentwood received their prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards presented at a live event at Queens Theatre.

The live event celebrated Achievement Award winners aged 11-25 from Brentwood for their contributions to their unit, where winners received medallions and framed certificates from the Foundation along with a £300 grant for them to spend to benefit their unit.

In addition, 2 adults were awarded Leader Awards for demonstrating outstanding ability to motivate young people. They each received a medallion and a framed certificate.

The Jack Petchey Foundation has invested over £1.1m in Brentwood through our Achievement Award Scheme, since funding started.

Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, who handed out the awards on the night, said: “I was incredibly impressed meeting all these remarkable young girls and women. Each one brings different talents to their groups and through their association with the Jack Petchey Foundation, they are demonstrating what Sir Jack stood for. It’s lovely to see they are receiving financial support towards their projects.

Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan, Mayor of Havering, who also handed out the awards on the night, said: “It’s been a wonderful evening – such a worthwhile endeavour by Sir Jack and the Foundation. He would be proud of the young people here this evening. Long may it continue.”

Darcy Caroll, 14 from Brentwood, won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for her growth in confidence and natural leadership qualities. She is liked by both her peers and the leaders, and attends all meetings with a smile on her face. Known to always lend a helping hand to the other girls and will always help anyone struggling in any way. The Guides say Darcy is kind, welcoming, and empathic, a true role model and a pleasure to have in the Unit.

Darcy said: “It felt great! Being a part of the Girl Guiding group and everything it stands for is brilliant and being recognised for this is epic!”

Darcy decided to spend her £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award Grant towards the Essex Jamboree in Chelmsford.