Trustees

Our Founders, Patrick

& Frances Connolly

Patrick and Frances Connolly are from Northern Ireland, Patrick from Belfast and Frances from Strabane. They have three grown daughters and three wonderful grandchildren. They moved to Hartlepool to work in 1990, planning to stay only a few years but stayed 25, their twin girls were born in the town and two of their daughters still live in the north east of England. Despite their love of their adopted home their roots are firmly in Northern Ireland therefore, when the couple had the good luck to win the lottery, one of their first acts was to begin setting up this charity to give something back.

Frances Connolly, our CEO

Frances Connolly is the eldest of 6 and despite coming from a less than privileged background has been involved in charity work from her primary school days. Both her parents and teachers instilled in her a strong work ethic and a desire to help wherever it is possible. She views the opportunity to be able to do this now on a larger scale as a privilege and is thoroughly enjoying taking a full and active part in helping her local community.

Massive thank you for your incredible generosity to help us improve the lives of young people across N.Ireland.

Carla

Wave project NI

Our volunteers were overwhelmed with the gift from the KGT, they could not believe the generosity, our sincere thanks.

Ann, Aghyaran

Community Response Group

Our Chairperson,

Anne O’Neill

I met Frances during our secondary school years as we travelled together on the school bus. Over time we became close friends and spent many fun times together. We kept in touch and soon after her lottery win she asked me to be a trustee in this new charity. I am now chairperson and feel humbled and privileged to be part of a trust which can have a positive impact on people’s lives. As a teacher for thirty three years I have always led charity initiatives and now look forward to doing the same in the community.

Our Secretary,

Michelle Stewart

I have worked in the community sector for 25 years, with community projects developing trust and building relationships in an attempt to develop conflict transformation. For the last ten years I first volunteered then worked as an advisor for the citizens advice bureau. Having always had a strong belief in helping and supporting people who have been marginalised by society and need support to get back on their feet, I hope to continue to do this through my work with the trust.

Thank you for enabling the Hidden Pearl to supply meals which we were more than happy to deliver to our vulnerable and shielding residents

Carmel, Victoria Bridge Cross Community Forum

Thank you for allowing the club to get back on its feet, replace destroyed equipment and looking forward to breaking more cricketing boundaries!

Sion MIlls Cricket Club

Our Treasurer, Caroline Clarke

“It was an incredible honour when Frances invited me to become a trustee in the charity she was planning to establish in her mother’s memory. Its focus/direction is a true manifestation of the generosity of spirit that always epitomised these two ladies. Its benefits will be far reaching.”

Our Safeguarding Officer, Ann Floyd

I am Frances’ sister so wasn’t surprised when shortly after her win she rang me one afternoon and said can you come to a meeting in Belfast on Wednesday in regards to the charity. I didn’t ask any questions and went to the meeting. Since then we have had a few more meetings and are making great progress. I’m glad Frances made that phone call and I’m delighted to be part of the team. Mum was such a generous person and it’s great Frances and Paddy are going to continue this in memory of our mother Kathleen.

KGT Has offered incredible support. They had seen the work we were doing down in fountain street and asked us what we needed. Within a couple of days, they came back and told us they ordered us 2 overlockers, plus 2 rotary cutters

Jillian Walker

Strabane Area Schrubs

Throughout the Pandemic we worked closely with the community delivering meals, groceries and fuel for the vulnerable over nine weeks.

Brian Meehan, Mark Lynch

Castlederg GAA

Paul Stewart

IT professional for 25 years with previous experience in community work primarily in North and West Belfast. Involved in local sports organisation within North Belfast/Newtownabbey. Really excited to be part of the the KGT team.

Our Project Worker,

Ricky Martin

Working for The Kathleen Graham Trust is an absolute privilege. Frances and Patrick are an inspiration and the impact they have had on so many people will be felt for generations. KGT will leave a permanent positive impact on so many people and I will give 100% to make it as successful as possible.

We help groups within Strabane and Belfast achieve their goals

We have been providing free meals to those who are isolated and couldn’t get out during lockdown. Without the help of the Kathleen Graham trust, this would have ground to a halt.

Colin McMenamin

Owner, Red Pepper in Castlederg

How we do it

Through financial support and practical assistance groups will have the opportunity to better themselves and form new partnerships together that can be sustained indefinitely, the communities across Strabane and Belfast deserve to reflect the wonderful nature of the people within them and The Kathleen Graham Trust will play its small role in making this happen. We offer grants of up to £5000 per project.

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The Tablets which you provided have become invaluable, especially to me and my befriending service

Denice Harper

Churchtown Community Association

Sion Swifts

KGT has supported Sion Swifts financially to aid in its facilities and transport costs and. With over 500 players from all the community and up to 70 coaches the club plays a vital role in the local area - highlighted by sending 20 teams to the Foyle cup in Derry.

Books being delivered to Nursing Homes in Castlederg

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