Acts of Kindness

Against a backdrop of uncertainty and sorrow, acts of kindness can touch an individual in a way which stays with them throughout their life.

In 1944, John Pattisson came to Radley and joined D Social. He was bright, particularly good at mathematics, and won an entrance scholarship. Very quickly, he was thriving. However, when John had just started his second year, his father unexpectedly died; a terrible blow to the family, and one which had hard financial consequences, as it meant that John could not remain at the school.

In an act of true compassion and charity, and in recognition of John’s academic potential, the Warden, John Vaughan Wilkes, made provision for him stay on at Radley. This act of kindness stayed with John throughout his life.

John did not waste the opportunity that was given to him. He was Head of House for five terms and Senior Prefect for two.

The Warden’s Report from his final year reads; “He was given a real ovation on the last night of term; and it was very well deserved. He has certainly given Radley his best – and his best is very good indeed. I have seldom known a more completely unselfish boy. His wisdom and sound judgment have been invaluable.”

Throughout his life, John reflected the philanthropy he had experienced as a boy back into the world. He showed remarkable loyalty to numerous causes, and served the College faithfully for 40 years on Council. John gave Radley a number of gifts over the years, and personally financed the renovation and re-siting of the retable on Chapel’s east wall. Importantly, he and others ensured the continued provision of places for gifted boys by setting up the Radley Foundation, for which he became the inaugural Chair of Trustees.

John Pattisson, generous to the very last, made a legacy gift to Radley in his will. This gift will help ensure that boys, like him, who possess the kernel of Radleian values – compassion, humility, a sense of duty, and an inquiring mind – have the opportunity for these values to be cultivated at Radley and, in turn, go out into the world with the tools to thrive, and make it a kinder place for us all.

Making a charitable legacy in your will can be a simple act that has a lasting impact for generations.

Did you know that leaving a charitable legacy in your will can reduce your total inheritance tax bill, meaning your charitable gift has little impact on bequests for your loved ones?

If you would like to make a legacy to Radley speak to your solicitor, or contact Henry Cosh at the Radley Foundation for more information at foundation@radley.org.uk or call +44 1235 548 547.