The William Wates Memorial Trust

Supporting projects that encourage young people experiencing severe disadvantage to keep away from anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, enabling them to fulfil their potential.

What is the WWMT?

The William Wates Memorial Trust exists to celebrate the life of William Wates (1977 – 1996) who was tragically killed when travelling in Central America.

The Trust is a grants giving registered charity set up in 1998 with a mission to help the most disadvantaged young people keep away from a life of crime and violence, and fulfil their potential. This is mainly achieved by supporting charities that engage young people through the mediums of sports, arts and education.

Will was aware of his privileged background and was keen to help others – we feel the aims of the trust reflect where his interests would have been if he was alive today.

Read Our Annual Review

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People Who Benefit

Kid is a young man with a complicated history. He has had issues with police and prison but his willingness to engage in a positive future is inspiring and his wisdom is impressive.

Fundraising

In 2004 Jonny (a brother of Will’s) came up with the brilliant (but crazy) idea of Le Loop, enabling the Trust to raise money beyond generous donations from friends or family. By 2012 the event was open to all and Le Loop is now our primary source of funds, raising between £300,000 and £500,000 a year (gross).

Le Loop offers the opportunity for amateur cyclists to tackle anything from 2 to all 21 stages of the Tour de France each year, fully supported, one week ahead of the pros. Places go on sale from July the year before and the event usually sells out. If you are interested in taking on a life-changing challenge, please visit the Le Loop website.

We have also had some wonderful support from people who have wanted to raise money for us doing their own projects and in those cases, we do whatever we can to assist. Please get in touch if this appeals!

And if you want to donate to a friend’s who is fundraising for WWMT just hit the ‘support a friend’ button below.