It is 20 years since he died and now more than £10m of his money has been handed out to help many others across the region …his name was Geoffrey Watling and we have much to thank him for.

Geoffrey died on November 17, 2004. He was one of our greatest and most popular citizens of recent times and he would have been delighted to think that the charity he established to support so many groups and organisations across Norfolk and parts of Suffolk continues to make a real difference to people’s lives.

At a recent meeting of the trustees of the Geoffrey Watling Charity, when the latest grants were made to support other charitable organisations, it was noted that the total amount of grants and donations made since its inception had reached more than £10m.

In the past year those who have received support include the James Paget Charity, The Garage Trust, Fairhaven Garden Trust, Parkside School, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, St Martins and The Norfolk Hospice, the 33rd Norwich Scout Group and Great Yarmouth Pathway.

(Image: Supplied)

And there was also a very special grant of £100,000 marking the anniversary of his death, to Norwich City Community Sports Foundation for a new Health and Wellbeing project at The Nest.

Now that is one which Geoffrey, the man who saved his beloved Norwich City Football Club from financial ruin in the 1950s and went on to be the club chairman for 16 years and then President, would have loved so much.

We can image him with that famous smile on his face and the new facilities will be named after him.

The chair of the trustees today, his nephew Alan Watling, said: “It is pleasing to note that the charity which was set up by Geoffrey back in 1993 has now reached this remarkable milestone of grants totalling over £10m as it continues to help charities and charitable organisations in the communities of Norfolk and the Waveney area of Suffolk.

(Image: Simon Finlay)

“2024 marks 20 years since Geoffrey’s passing and the grant to the Sports Foundation reflects his love of football and everything Norwich City Football Club,” he said.

“As local causes continue their work in support of a wide range of projects and initiatives under increasingly difficult and demanding circumstances our trustees look forward to offer financial support for many years to come to help the valuable charitable work which is carried out in the area,” added Alan.

For all the latest news on the grants and the wonderful charity he established go to www.geoffreywatling.org.uk

And consider that locally based charities may be eligible to apply for a grant towards projects within the Charity’s Area of Benefit which is the County of Norfolk and the Waveney District of Suffolk.

(Image: Supplied) On behalf of you, our readers, I would like to thank all those involved with the Geoffrey Watling Charity for the marvellous work they do…continuing to help others at a tough time.

*Coming up: We take a look at the life and times of Geoffrey and his father Charles in Norwich, Norfolk and across the world.

(Image: Newsquest)

(Image: Archant)