A lasting legacy believing in opportunity and potential
A £75,000 gift pledged in memory of one of Inspire Youth Zone’s founding patrons is helping to carry forward a belief that every young person deserves the chance to build a bright future.
Long before the doors of Inspire opened, Peter Stock was already part of our story.
As one of our Founder Patrons, Peter believed in the vision of a purpose-built Youth Zone in Chorley and the opportunities it could create for local young people.
Peter was Chairman of Carrington / Pincroft based in Adlington and had a passion for creating opportunities in the community. In 2017, a year before we opened, Peter launched a partnership with Inspire that not only helped to fund the building but continues to support Inspire to this day.
Today, Carrington Textiles and Pincroft are part of the RTS Textiles Group, and have continued to support Inspire, contributing more than £275,000 to the charity over the years. By the time Inspire turns 10 years old, this commitment will be over £300,000.
This year, we had the pleasure of meeting Peter’s daughter Suzanne and grandsons, Sam and Ben. On visiting Inspire, they then pledged an incredible £75,000 to Inspire over the next 3 years, in Peter’s memory.
This commitment is particularly significant because gifting like this provides Inspire with not only an incredible annual contribution, but the confidence to plan sustainably for the future, helping us continue investing in opportunities and support for young people across Chorley and South Ribble.
Suzanne said:
“My father believed that opportunity changes lives. He believed that a young person’s background or circumstances shouldn’t dictate where they end up in life.
He understood that Inspire Youth Zone was so much more than a place for young people to spend their time. It gives them somewhere safe to belong, people who believe in them, opportunities to try new experiences, skills for their future and the confidence to believe in what they can achieve.
Where you start should never dictate where you finish. Every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their potential and the chance to build a different future.
As a family, we are incredibly proud to continue supporting Inspire Youth Zone and the remarkable work they do. It is a very special way of continuing my father’s legacy and his belief that opportunity, support and someone believing in you can change the course of a young person’s life.”
The gift was marked with a special visit to Inspire, with family and members of the RTS Textiles Group coming together to celebrate Peter’s life and legacy alongside old friend Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP for Chorley and Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council.
It was a fitting moment to reflect on Peter’s early belief in Inspire’s vision, while also celebrating the continued commitment of the businesses he helped shape.
Janine Blythe, CEO of Inspire Youth Zone, said:
“Peter believed in Inspire before there was even a building for him to walk into, which makes this gift from Suzanne and his family incredibly special.
His belief in the power of opportunity is at the heart of what we do every day and we’re incredibly privileged that part of his legacy will continue to help young people discover their potential.
We’re also incredibly grateful to RTS Textiles Group for continuing to stand alongside us.”
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP for Chorley, said:
“I was proud to call Peter a friend for many years. We shared varied interests with supporting the local community being just one of them.
Peter was one of the first people who came to mind when Inspire was just an idea for Chorley. He was on board immediately as I knew he would be. I am incredibly grateful to Suzanne and the whole family for continuing Peter’s legacy. He would have been so very proud.”
John Vareldzis, CEO of RTS Textiles Group, said:
“Peter Stock believed opportunity changes lives” are the words on the plaque on the wall at Inspire thanks to the generous donation his daughter Suzanne and his family have made on his behalf.
Known as “Stocky”, Peter really believed in giving young people an opportunity. This could not have been evidenced any better than seeing Howard and Ian joining the celebrations at Inspire – they both started at Pincroft back when they were 16, without any qualifications and were given the opportunity to learn on the job, put through further education and now lead their respective departments.
When Stocky heard about the proposed youth zone in Chorley, we arranged a visit to the OnSide Youth Zone in Wigan. The words “opportunity” and “changed lives” were said time and time again and it was obvious how much it had helped the young people in Wigan. We immediately made our minds up to get involved and support Inspire and I am proud that we have done so ever since. Stocky would have been delighted to see what Inspire has become and how vital it is to the community in Chorley.”
Peter believed that where someone starts in life should not determine where they finish. That same belief sits at the heart of our work today.
Suzanne, Ben, Sam and their wider family’s gift means Peter’s belief will continue to play a part in that work for years to come – ensuring that Inspire continues to grow, thank you.
