What motivates you to support LandAid as a Patron?
I was approached by former LandAid Chair Rob Bould – a long-time business contact and fellow past chair of the Investment Property Forum – to join the Patrons Network a few years ago.
Having enjoyed a fulfilling and stimulating career in real estate law across national and international markets, I was keen to give something back. LandAid is the property industry charity, and it’s been great to work with so many industry colleagues to support young people less fortunate than ourselves.
Why does the Patrons Network in particular appeal to you?
I’ve been involved in LandAid SleepOuts – including this year, with my family – to raise funds for LandAid’s work. On one occasion, I even got our local butcher involved after he asked what I’d been up to when I picked up our Christmas turkey! He joined our family on the February SleepOut and helped raise awareness and funds through his own efforts and by keeping a LandAid collection box in his shop.
There’s nothing quite like sleeping rough in February to give you perspective. For us, it was one night, knowing we’d be warm and safe the next day. For too many young people, that’s not the case.
The Patrons Network appeals to me because collaboration leads to impact. Sharing ideas and connections creates new opportunities to help end youth homelessness.
You’ve supported LandAid and YMCA Surbiton through your golf club. Can you tell us more?
I became Club Captain of Surbiton Golf Club in March 2025. Each year, the men’s and ladies’ captains select a charity to support. Georgina – the Ladies’ Captain – and I jointly chose LandAid and Surbiton YMCA, recognising their incredible work to support young people at risk of homelessness.
Georgina and I have personal ties to the property and education sectors and both joined this year’s SleepOut. We felt it was important to speak to club members directly about the experience of sleeping rough.
We launched our fundraising at the Captains’ Drive-In and were honoured to welcome young people from Surbiton YMCA, who bravely shared their stories. It was a powerful moment; there were tears in the room. We were also hugely grateful to Paul Morrish, LandAid’s CEO, for joining us and speaking so movingly about the scale of youth homelessness and how the real estate industry can help tackle it.
Our flagship fundraising event will be in August – an auction inviting members and businesses to donate prizes like golf days, dining experiences and holidays. All proceeds will go to LandAid and Surbiton YMCA.
What advice would you give to other Patrons?
We can all do something. Whether it’s taking part in the SleepOut, running a race, or organising a fundraising event; there are endless ways to contribute.
LandAid Patrons have had successful careers and made valuable connections along the way. Many will have great ideas on how to make a difference. And we must do something. No young person should be sleeping rough in the UK. Period.
What would you like to achieve through the Patrons Network in future?
I want more people to understand the realities of youth homelessness; it could happen to any of us.
By raising awareness and supporting charities like LandAid, we can change lives. We can give young people safety, opportunity, and hope.
After so many years in the real estate sector, it’s a privilege to support LandAid – the property industry’s charity – and to help create real social impact.