“Thanks a million!” That was the heartfelt message from the Prince of Wales to the Southampton-based Cunard fleet of ships for raising £1m for his royal charity.
In less than six years the company’s three vessels, together with their passengers, crew and shore-side staff, have organised a programme of charitable events in support of The Prince’s Trust, which works to turn around the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK.
Speaking by a video link, the Prince of Wales spoke of his “deep gratitude to Cunard” and the “extraordinary achievement” of raising £1m.
Before a suitably large cheque for £1m was handed over by Cunard to Martina Milburn, chief executive of the trust, the invited guests watched a special presentation in the ship’s theatre introduced by actor and Prince’s Trust Ambassador, Robert Powell.
The glittering entertainment featured classical group Blake, Irish comedian Adrian Walsh, as well as singers, dancers and musicians from the ship’s theatre company.
After a champagne reception hundreds of guests attended a gala lunch on board the 90,000-ton ship, Queen Victoria to mark the presentation.
“It is fitting that the celebrations take place on Queen Victoria as it was when the Duchess of Cornwall, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, named the ship on December 10, 2007 that the company launched its association with the Prince’s Trust,” said David Dingle, chief executive of Cunard.
The Prince’s Trust gives young people practical and financial support, developing key skills, confidence and motivation. It works with 14 to 30- year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law.
Various fundraising activities have taken place both aboard the three ships of Cunard and ashore in Southampton. Martina Milburn said: “With youth unemployment still affecting hundreds of thousands of young people in the UK, it has never been more important to support those who are furthest from finding work. “I would like to thank Cunard for their commitment and enthusiasm which has helped us to get many young lives back on track.”
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