The gift will fully fund the rest of the Barnardo’s Gap Homes programme, creating 50 homes across the UK, as well as an ongoing fund to support vital services in the North of England.  

The Gap Homes programme, which will now expand thanks to the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust’s transformational pledge, was developed by Barnardo’s in response to the lack of suitable housing and support available to young people when they leave care. There are currently eight Gap Homes across the UK, five of which are in Stirling, and this donation will pay for the next 15 Gap Homes to be built in Lincolnshire, Birmingham and Glasgow, with further locations for the remaining 30 houses currently being finalised.

John Richards, chair of Trustees of the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust, said: “Katherine Martin was a remarkable woman who believed in the power of philanthropy to change lives. This significant donation is a testament to her enduring legacy. We are privileged to continue her mission of supporting children and young people and are delighted that Barnardo’s will use this gift to provide vital support to those who need it most.  

“This gift will directly address a critical need for young people leaving care. We believe that every young person deserves a safe, stable home, and we are proud to support Barnardo’s in their efforts to provide just that. Our partnership with Barnardo’s has spanned decades, and by supporting Barnardo’s, we can honour Katherine’s memory and contribute towards a brighter future for generations to come. Together, we can achieve more, and we hope Katherine’s legacy will inspire others to give back and make a difference.”  

Lynn Perry, CEO of Barnardo’s, added: “This extraordinary donation from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust is monumental for Barnardo’s. We believe it’s the largest single gift in the charity’s history and it’s hard to express just how much of an impact that will have for so many young people.  

“This money will enable us to expand our vital Gap Homes programme, providing young people leaving care with the safe, stable homes they deserve. We are incredibly grateful to the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust for their continued support.  

“The generosity of this gift will have a profound impact on the lives of children and young people across the country and we are honoured to deliver this service with Katherine’s legacy in mind. With the support of donors like Katherine Martin, Barnardo’s can continue to change childhoods and change lives.”