Barnardo's has received a historic £18 million donation from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust, which will be used to expand the charity's Gap Homes programme and provide much-needed support for young people leaving care.

The donation will fund the construction of 50 new Gap Homes across the UK, including locations in Lincolnshire, Birmingham, and Glasgow. These homes provide vital support and accommodation for young people transitioning out of care, many of whom face homelessness due to a lack of suitable housing options.

"This extraordinary donation from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust is monumental for Barnardo's," said Lynn Perry, CEO of Barnardo's. "We believe it’s the largest single gift in the charity’s history and it’s hard to express just how much of an impact that will have for so many young people."

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The Katherine Martin Charitable Trust has a long history of supporting Barnardo's, having provided over £7 million in funding to the charity over the past 60 years.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust for their continued support," Ms. Perry added. "With the support of donors like Katherine Martin, Barnardo's can continue to change childhoods and change lives."

The Gap Homes programme addresses the critical need for safe and stable accommodation for young people leaving care.

"This gift will directly address a critical need for young people leaving care," said John Richards, Chair of Trustees of the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust. "We believe that every young person deserves a safe, stable home, and we are proud to support Barnardo's in their efforts to provide just that."