The achievements of some of the Trent Bridge Community Trust’s biggest success stories have been celebrated at a dinner marking the charity’s tenth anniversary.

Over 100 people – including Trustees, staff and members of the Nottinghamshire first-team setup – came together to commemorate the growth of the club’s charitable arm in its first decade, with the Trust having invested over £1.5million into community projects over that time.

“It was truly humbling to celebrate some of the great things that people who have taken part in Trust initiatives have gone on to do,” said Mark Clifford, the Trust’s Community Projects Manager and its very first employee.

“Ten years ago, when I first started making connections in Cotgrave, it would have been a success to have just helped one young person find their direction in life.

“I could never have imagined that we’d be able to have such an impact on so many people – and their successes are all down to their own drive and dedication, and the superb work of everyone involved with the Trust.”  

Stories shared on the evening included that of Callum Pharoah – one of over 650 young people to have benefited from the Positive Futures mentoring project for people between the ages of eight and 19.

Guests were also given an insight into the work of the Forget Me Notts initiative, which provides opportunities for people living with dementia to remain physically and mentally active, whilst also ensuring their carers have access to a like-minded support network.

The scheme recently triumphed in the Health and Wellbeing category at the Celebrating Rushcliffe awards, after partnering with the Nottingham Forest Community Trust, Nottingham Rugby, the National Ice Centre and Edwalton Golf to deliver sporting activities for attendees.

Nottinghamshire Club captain Steven Mullaney attended one of the first Forget Me Notts sports sessions to be held on the Trent Bridge Turf.

“Credit has to go to Mark Clifford and his team who do a lot of events throughout the year that help people with difficulties and give them a new lease of life,” he said.

“To see people up and about playing our sport and at our ground is magnificent.

“Trent Bridge is one of the biggest venues in the county and is world-renowned in cricket circles, so I think people will walk on the turf and realise how lucky they are to follow in people’s footsteps.”

Find out more about the work of the Trent Bridge Community Trust here.