Charity founder Wilf 'was our inspiration' (From Gazette & Herald)

Charity founder Wilf 'was our inspiration'

A POPULAR charity founder, who helped thousands of people with learning and physical disabilities in North Yorkshire, has died.

Wilf Ward OBE, of Sherburn, near Malton, passed away at the age of 88 on Wednesday, January 19. He established a steel structure engineering company, Wards of Sherburn, which is now Atlas Ward Structure and Kingspan, and had recently stepped down from his role as chairman of The Wilf Ward Family Trust, which is based in Pickering.

The trust runs community, respite and day care services as well as supported living schemes in Pickering, Norton, Malton, Selby, York, Harrogate, Leeds, Scarborough, Filey, Ripon, Bramham, Tadcaster, Northallerton, Whitby, Knaresborough, Market Weighton, Goole and Boston Spa.

Trust chief executive Richard Pacey said: "The loss of Mr Ward to the trust is indescribable. He was our inspiration and our reason for being.

"I have worked with him and his wife Phyllis since day one when we created our first respite unit and ever since he has been a stalwart and a firm believer in the ethos of our work to enable people with learning and physical disabilities to play a full role in their communities.

"Mr Ward has suffered illness in recent months but his enthusiasm and drive never waned. His work will continue to bring hope and enjoyment to countless families in the region."

Mr and Mrs Ward began their charity work in 1986 and two years later opened the trust's first respite unit in Pickering, called Isabella Court.

Since then, their vision and hard work has extended to 70 schemes in North, East and West Yorkshire, bringing safe and secure environments to scores of people with learning and physical disabilities and helping them lead fulfilling lives.

The role of chairman was recently taken over by Tony Denness, who has been a trustee with the charity since the beginning.

Mr Denness said: "I have worked with Mr Ward for many years - I was his finance director at Wards of Sherburn - and the news of his passing has left me, and many others, devastated.

"Mr Ward was a very kind man who did great things for people who are less fortunate and the trust is a testament to his and Phyllis' spirit. The world is a less brighter place today."

Mr Ward was awarded an OBE in 1984 for his significant contribution to industry.

Mr Ward's funeral will be on Saturday. It will be a private cremation to be attended by family and close friends at Octon Crematorium, but will be followed by a celebration of life service at St Hilda's Church, Sherburn, at noon. No flowers by request, but donations may be made to The Wilf Ward Family Trust and Sherburn church.

Updated: 10:42 Wednesday, January 26, 2005