Paul Butterworth – The Seafarers’ Charity fund raiser
As you might well already know, I am very fortunate that apart from the day job leading the Odgers Maritime & Shipping Practice and chairing our global Transport & Logistics Practice, I am proud to also Chair The Seafarers’ Charity www.theseafarerscharity.org. Our vision is to create ‘a world where seafarers and their families are valued and free of need and disadvantage’. We have been improving their lives since 1917, when we launched as the King George’s Fund for Sailors (KGFS).
I am now coming towards the end of ten years as a trustee, most of which I have been entrusted to Chair the Board. Having first rattled a collecting tin for the charity nearly 35 years ago, I am having another go at personal fundraising by undertaking not one but TWO challenge events. Firstly, the South Coast 100km Ultra Challenge this coming Saturday and secondly the Great South Run in Oct. Madness, I know!!
Please find more about my story at this JustGiving link https://www.justgiving.com/page/paul-butterworth-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL.
I know there are many calls on people’s generosity of spirit, but I would be hugely appreciative of any support that my industry colleagues and friends could give, no matter how small.
Very recently, our former Director General & CEO, Commodore Barry Bryant very sadly died. Barry was responsible – over a bottle of red wine – for twisting my arm to join the charity as a trustee, back in 2017. His final act when at The Seafarers’ Charity was to fundraise by abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.
So, I will be channelling my ‘inner Barry’ as I undertake a continuous 100km walk across the South Downs this weekend and run the Great South Run in a few weeks’ time!!
With grateful thanks,
Paul
