IN 1999 businessman Jack Petchey set up the Jack Petchey Foundation to inspire and motivate young people across London and Essex to do their best and reach their full potential.

Since then, seldom a year has gone by without Harlow’s young people being beneficiaries of such encouragement and recognition.

Over the years many of Harlow’s schools’ pupils, and students at Harlow College, have been recipients of awards, together with participants and leaders from Harlow Rock School, Makin’ Steps, Youth Create, Harlow Young Carers, Livewire, Harlow Air Cadets, Hop Hop Pop, and Crosskeys Netball Club to name but a few.

Since the foundation was set up, Jack Petchey has awarded over £160 million to incredible young people who are the lifeblood of our community and creative industries.

Happy birthday Jack.