Kingsclere couple launch trust to benefit children in Kingsclere/surrounding area

Marie Lawrence, the mother of three-year-old Rodney Lawrence, of Union Lane, said the aim of The Rodney Lawrence Trust was to support children of the village and from the surrounding local area.
“Rodney was a child himself and it’s nice to keep his memory going by doing something positive,” she said.
Rodney drowned on May 9, 2010 in his family’s garden pond.
Scores of villagers turned out to mourn the loss of the three-year-old at his funeral three years ago, with police lining the streets, the pre-school closed as a mark of respect and a packed service at St Mary’s Church.
Trustees of the trust fund include Mrs Lawrence, her husband, John and Mrs Lawrence’s brother, Craig Gundry.
Mr Gundry is preparing to parachute from an aeroplane tomorrow (Friday) at Hinton Skydiving Centre, Brackley, Northamptonshire to raise some £1,500 for the trust funds.
“Craig lived here when Rodney was here and was very close to Rodney,” added Mrs Lawrence.
Not to be outdone, another family member gearing up for a risky fundraiser is the Lawrence’s neice, 17- year-old Louise Adams, of Thatcham, who is swimming with sharks to raise cash.
Kingsclere villagers, including Mrs Lawrence, are also involved in a sponsored slim to raise funds, with a netball match planned at the Fieldgate Centre in the village on the morning of Saturday June 29 to boost the total, while a recent car boot sale raised more than £400.
Mrs Lawrence paid tribute to the manager of Busy Bees pre-school in the village, Maria Meredith, who had come up with the idea of the trust fund.
“Rodney went to the pre school and if it weren’t for Maria, this wouldn’t be going ahead - it was her brilliant idea and she’s very involved and helping me,” said Mrs Lawrence.
The Rodney Lawrence Trust aims to help young people achieve their goals, source play equipment for local groups and help children and families faced with life threatening conditions.
Individuals under the age of 16, pre-schools, schools and youth groups can all apply for funding support from telephone 07928 859884.
A website for the trust is set to go live in the next couple of weeks.
Meanwhile anyone wanting to make a donation to the fund can telephone 07928 8598