The Kingston Charitable Foundation, an independent charity working across the borough, has today announced a new partnership which will strengthen the charity's reach working with those who are most in need of assistance and accessibility to opportunities.

Launched in February 2021, formerly Love Kingston, which, during its eight years as a community fundraising project, awarded 53 grants to charitable organisations. The foundation has gone on to award 20 grants throughout Kingston upon Thames over the last year.

Its latest move sees an announced partnership with The Willow Tree Foundation, where in tandem, the two charities will work to support local residents living with Blood Cancer through grants, as well as offering integrative therapies at a new Healing Sanctuary premises.

Richard and Kelly Tyler set up The Willow Tree Foundation in December 2021, after Richard was suddenly diagnosed with a rare Blood Cancer, Mantle Cell Lymphoma, which was already at Stage 4b, and in need of urgent and aggressive treatment. He was offered a new drug as part of his treatment, but this was not available on the NHS, costing £40,000. They set up a 'Go Fund me' campaign and amazingly raised £40,000 in 6 days, which paid for this treatment. 

The fund continued to grow, and they knew they wanted to help other people living with Blood Cancer. To date they have raised over £63k and shared £20k with other families living with the same type of Cancer.

Commenting on their partnership with the Kingston Charitable Foundation, Richard and Kelly said: "There are over 15,000 people currently living with cancer in Kingston and for many that will be a very isolating, scary and physically draining journey to be on.

"Our foundation exists to help others with emotional, practical and financial support and to share the lived-experiences from ourselves and our members, in order to provide hope, comfort and peace of mind, that they are not alone. We strive to stand shoulder-to-shoulder and heart-to-heart and travel alongside our members, whether that be in our online groups or in person locally.

"Partnering with Kingston Charitable Foundation has been like an answer to all of our prayers. We already feel like part of a family that has the ability to make huge impact and positive ripples throughout society, and we are blessed to be part of their vision."

Hicky Kingsbury, the Kingston Charitable Foundation CEO, said: "The Staff and Trustee team at Kingston Charitable Foundation are very excited about our amazing new partnership with The Willow Tree Foundation, which will afford us all even more opportunities to support local people in meaningful and tailored ways, and fast.

"We have lots exciting of plans in the pipeline, following an incredible couple of months, getting us to where we are today - launching our new partnership. We could not be happier to be working with such an inspirational, energetic local couple as Richard and Kelly Tyler; people whose vision, mission and values perfectly align with those of Kingston Charitable Foundation."

The independent charity has also recently appointed a new Patron, Chris Hirsch, of Holland Hahn & Wills, who have been providing financial advice to the community for over 30 years.

Chris Hirsch will bring his skills and knowledge from his career in Chartered Financial Planning and Wealth Managment as well as his love for the Kingston community where he has been a resident for 30 years.

Commenting on his appointment, Ms Kingsbury added: The staff and trustee team at Kingston Charitable Foundation are thrilled about Chris joining us as a Patron. He has been a long-standing friend of our charity and it is wonderful to have the opportunity to formalise this now.

"We have lots of exciting plans in the pipeline and are looking forward to taking Kingston Charitable foundation to the next level, where we can support local charitable organisations, individuals and families in our shared community."

Holland Hahn & Wills Managing Partner, Mr Hirsch said: "I feel very excited to become a patron of the Charity. Not only do the people of Kingston need Charitable help to deal with current issues but we need to continue building a foundation for the future."

To read more about the Kingston Charitable Foundation's impact to date, visit their site here.