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Blue Skies graduate talks about how his life has changed at Jon Egging Trust Fundraising Dinner

Blue Skies graduate talks about how his life has changed at Jon Egging Trust Fundraising Dinner

To celebrate the work of the Trust and help raise vital funds for future Blue Skies and Inspirational Outreach programmes, the Jon Egging Trust held its Inaugural Annual Dinner on the 22nd January at the Hilton Double Tree Hotel, Lincoln.

The dinner was hosted by its Patrons, Professor Brian Cox OBE and Air Vice Marshall Stuart Atha CB DSO ADC, and attended by the Red Arrows. During the evening not only were the guests addressed by both Patrons and Dr Emma Egging, and entertained by Jon Culshaw but 17-year-old Nathan, a graduate from the Norfolk Blue Skies programme also gave a speech. Having found his experience with the Jon Egging Trust life-changing, he now wants to be an ambassador for the charity, and inspire other young people.

Nathan, Norfolk Blue Skies graduate said: ‘When I was younger my Mum always said to me that I’d either end up in prison or be the next Richard Branson. When I was 8 years old I was diagnosed with ADHD and had a hard time at school and with the local authority because of that. I was always getting into trouble. There was never a good day. Then in year 9 I had a break through. I was selected for the Blue Skies programme and went to sessions at RAF Marham.  I was always part of a team and that taught me a lot.  I learnt presentation skills and how to lead. When I went into year 11 I became Head Boy – every single week I spoke at assemblies and was the leader in front of 1,500 students. It improved my life so much. I became a role model and the person to be looking up to.   I believe that without Blue Skies I would still be the same boy that was out of control, causing mayhem and the class clown. I want everyone who is struggling to have the same opportunity as me’

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Dr Emma Egging, CEO of the Jon Egging Trust said: “The Jon Egging Trust Inaugural Dinner celebrated everything that has been achieved since we were established as a charity four years ago. In our work supporting young people aged 10-16 to overcome adversity and be the best they can be we are already operating in five regions in the UK and are now on track to be working with over 10,000 young people each year by 2020. Fundraising support such as that raised through the Dinner is vital to enable us to continue to expand and improve the life-chances of even more young people. I am extremely proud of the young people who have graduated through our programmes and Jon would be immensely proud also of the difference to so many young people’s lives that has been and continues to be made in his name.

Professor Brian Cox, a patron of the Trust said ” For me, the most important thing that the Trust does is to show young people that there are possibilities out there and available. I visited RAF Fylingdales and RAF Coningsby this year and saw for myself how the Blue Skies students respond when given the chance. It’s quite wonderful, and backs up my strong conviction that these young people will seize the chance to progress and achieve when it’s offered. The Jon Egging Trust gives them the confidence they lack, and from then on it’s inspiring to see them fly!

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Air Vice Marshall Stuart Atha, a patron of the Trust said: “I’m delighted that so many of the RAF’s aircrew, engineers and support staff support the Jon Egging Trust. I have seen, first hand, the difference the Blue Skies Programme makes to young people’s lives. It helps unlock potential, instill confidence, and teaches students, like pilots, that the unbounded opportunities of blue skies are always there, no matter how bad the weather, if they reach high enough. I am enormously grateful to everyone who donates time or money (ideally both) because our future success depends on continued moral and financial support; this is the wind beneath the wings of the Jon Egging Trust. Without it, the Blue Skies and Inspirational Outreach Programmes could not get off the ground.”

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Squadron Leader David Montenegro, Red 1 and Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “I knew Jon personally as we were on the team together from 2010 – 2011 and our careers crossed paths many times prior to that.  Whilst on the team I remember talking to him about his plan to encourage young people to learn about teamwork and leadership and it has been fantastic to see his vision made a reality by the incredible work that Emma and the JET team have accomplished. Each year the Red Arrows engage a wide spectrum of spectators and the team aims to inspire young people, not just to consider a career in aviation but also to provide a tangible demonstration of what dedication and teamwork can achieve. As such, inspiring young people to realise their potential is a core objective synonymous with the Red Arrows and the Jon Egging Trust and, as a team, we are extremely proud to support the charity.”

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Thank you to everyone who attended and made the evening such a success.