Sir Jack Petchey, champion of young people, dies at 98
Sir Jack Petchey, a man whose name is synonymous with charitable enterprises for the young – which have touched the lives of so many youngsters in South London in particular – has died at the age of 98.
Sir Jack, who was made a CBE and was knighted in 2016, died at his home in Wapping on Thursday.
“He will be greatly missed by friends and family and by the many young people, teachers and youth leaders whose lives have been impacted by the work of his Foundation,” said a statement from the Jack Petchey Foundation he created 25 years ago.
From humble beginnings, Sir Jack left school aged 13 without any qualifications. Through his entrepreneurial spirit he became one of Britain’s most successful businessmen.
This enabled him to achieve his ambition of giving young people the opportunities and confidence he lacked as a child. As he always told young people “If you think you can, you can”.
His charitable trust, The Jack Petchey Foundation, has to date invested over ÂŁ170 million in youth projects. Messages have already started pouring in from the young people and families whose lives he touched.
His foundation created programmes offering volunteering and internships and the promotion of sport, science and art.
A private funeral service will be held for family and friends. An event to celebrate his life is to be announced in due course. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence can do so by visiting https://sirjackpetcheycbe.muchloved.com/
Sir Jack’s legacy will be the continuing work of his Foundation supporting young people. Contributions in memory of Sir Jack can be made via the condolence page or via the Jack Petchey Foundation website here: https://www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk/news/in-memory-of-sir-jack-petchey-cbe/
Pictured top: Sir Jack (Picture: The Jack Petchey Foundation)
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