Three decades on, A FERRARI’S LEGACY continues to change the lives of people throughout Leicestershire

IN 1988 A Swiss entrepreneur, purchased a Ferrari P4 for the record price of £5.5 million from David Clarke, a well-respected local business owner, racing car driver and railway enthusiast. The sale of this stylish, iconic vehicle, which was owned by David of Clarke Boxes in Mountsorrel, became the key to Mr Clarke establishing the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation, a unique charity which provides wellbeing and educational opportunities to adults living with an illness or disability from its picturesque base in the heart of the Charnwood Forest.

The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation’s unique values and ethos were progressive at the time. Through the provision of his charitable trust, David’s wish was to ensure that no individual became increasingly vulnerable or isolated. In the decades since David’s passing, the Foundation continues its valued work in the local community, and in 2023 it pledges to progress further with their founders pioneering vision.

Since 1989 the charity has welcomed over 300,000 visitors and, in recent months it has seen a significant increase in requests for activities and services. Today the Foundation provides a varied range of drop in and organised activities in a personalised, home from home setting.

Helen Baxter, of the Foundation said, ‘Our comprehensive timetable of activities and support sessions are heavily subsidised, making them accessible and affordable to enable our visitors to remain connected and engaged in a safe and supportive setting’.

She added ‘The Foundation facilitates a wide range of wellbeing sessions include seated mindfulness, relaxation, and meditation, as well as yoga, tai chi, and Pilates.

‘In addition, our monthly support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. The Foundation’s calm and relaxed setting, makes people feel confident and comfortable to share their feelings, helpful coping strategies, and first-hand information about their diagnosis and treatment options’.

The Foundation also works in partnership with local learning providers to provided SEN student placements and work experience opportunities to younger people in the local area. These placements are invaluable and enable the students to develop new skills and make new friends.

It is amazing to think that the sale of the Ferrari P4 has been integral in making a difference to the lives of so many people in the local area and beyond. A truly amazing car, with a legacy to match.

Ulverscroft Grange tearooms and charity shops are located on Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, LE67 9QB (close to Copt Oak) and are open to the public from 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday – Friday.

Come to the talk on 1st March

If you would like to learn more about the history and work of Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation, a talk will be provided on Wednesday 1st of March from 10:30am at Ulverscroft Activity Centre, Priory Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9PH. If you would like the Foundation to provide a talk to your group, this can be arranged by contacting emailing us at hello@shuttlewood-clarke.org.

For more details about the Foundation or to book a place for the 45-minute presentation in March, please visit the website www. shuttlewood-clarke.org, or call Helen Baxter on 01530 244914.

Hard floor