The Foundation is firmly rooted in the West Yorkshire conurbation and the Bradford Metropolitan District

Our Purpose

Supporting the education and well-being of young people under the age of 25

The relief of sickness and promotion of the preservation of good health

The prevention and relief of poverty

Our Location

We are dedicated to improving the quality of life and economic and social opportunities available to residents of West Yorkshire, by making grants to relevant charities. It is our goal to develop long-term relationships with such charities.

Bradford is an incredibly diverse city, with a population of some 540,000. It is the youngest city in the UK and 25% of its population are under 18 years of age. A third of its inhabitants are from ethnic minorities, with some 160 different languages spoken by school-age children. Its economy has recently struggled since the mid-20th century, mirroring the decline of its world-famous woollen industry and this has left the City prone to high rates of poverty and serious health inequalities. The large youthful population and ongoing health issues were the reasons why the Foundation specifically chose to put these issues at the heart of its work.

Apart from its population, the district is incredibly diverse in other ways, being home to both densely populated urban areas, as well as stunning countryside such as Ilkley Moor and the moors above Haworth, setting for Wuthering Heights. It includes both the inner-city and sparsely populated parts of Airedale and Wharfedale.

In addition to the Bronte Sisters, the City was the home of the composer Frederick Delius, the author J. B. Priestley, the artist David Hockney and the Buttershaw play-write Andrea Dunbar. St George's Hall is not only the oldest concert venue in England but the third oldest in Europe. Its contribution to film and cinema led it to be awarded Unesco City of Film status and it is the home to the National Science (formerly Media) Museum, one of the most visited museums outside London. Nearby, the former Odeon cinema, once host to The Beatles and Rolling Stones, is being painstakingly restored to its former art deco splendour, with a capacity of almost 4,000. Further Unesco recognition has been awarded to the World Heritage model village of Saltaire, where in the magnificent 1853 mill, can be found many of David Hockney's paintings. Little wonder that Bradford has recently been awarded City of Culture status for 2025.

There are so many wonderful organisations working tirelessly for the good of the district and it has been a humbling and uplifting experience to play a role in supporting them. Bradfordians are generally very resilient and loyal to their home city and the Harry and Mary Foundation believes that its best days lie ahead.

Our Trustees

Bob Bastow

John Clough

Robert Walker

Bob Bastow

Bob has over 50 years experience in the creation and administration of trusts and settlements including charitable trusts and charities. For many years he was a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

He is married with two children, two grandchildren and one great grandchild.

John Clough

John has worked in education and youth work since the early 1980s and has also volunteered as an advocate for looked after children in care. He has seen the value of early intervention and support and believes that no child should be left behind.

He is married and lives in East Anglia but maintains close links with Bradford, being a season ticket holder at Valley Parade.

Robert Walker

Robert started work in 1962, qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1968, and has a wide range of experience, in both Industry and the profession, including Trusts and Charities.

He retired as senior partner in a local five partner practice in 2010, but continues part-time, mainly in general consultancy work for a limited number of clients. He has three children and three grandchildren.