When Beverley chef John Robinson got married four years ago he had a wedding gift with a difference for his new wife, Liz.
Using her maiden name, John, who owns and runs Whites Restaurant in North Bar Without, had set up the Tyas Foundation, a charity to help vulnerable children across East Yorkshire.
Since then, the Foundation has raised thousands of pounds and helped many local families along the way. Now, John is planning a new fund-raising event – a go-karting challenge – and is looking for more would-be racers to join him.
The event takes place on Sunday September 4 at Hull Karting on Poorhouse Lane, off Preston Road in the city, and consists of a 20 lap qualifying session followed by a 100 lap race.
The Tyas Foundation is run by John and Liz and a board of trustees and raises money by organising events and then distributing the proceeds to local children nominated for treats. Their focus is on vulnerable children in East Yorkshire who need support for varying reasons.
So far they have given away thousands of pounds in treats, ranging from mini holidays, days out, disability swings and pamper days.
“Running a local business is great but that in turn gives me a responsibility to give something back,” says John, who has been chef/patron of Whites in Beverley for the past eight years. It remains the town’s only restaurant listed in the Good Food Guide and Michelin Guide.
“I feel it’s very easy to get caught up in day-to-day life and forget that some people are less fortunate, be it financially, in terms of health, or without the support of family and friends.
“The charity was set up as a wedding gift to my wife, whose maiden name is Tyas, as we wanted a way to give to charity but to be in control of where the funds were going and to help make a real difference to individual’s lives.”
Instead of asking for wedding gifts on their big day, John and Liz asked for donations to their new charity. The couple also provided all the food and drinks for the bar, in return for donations and received more than £800 to kick-start the charity.
“Just this summer we have sent numerous children on days out all over the country as well as providing other gifts, too. It’s heart-breaking to read some of the difficulties these children face and to be able to help put a smile back on their faces and to let them know someone is thinking about them is great,” said John.
He hopes the go-karting challenge will gain wide support and promises a fun afternoon. “It starts at 4pm and ideally you’ll have a team of four people, but don’t worry if you struggle to form a team as we may be able to pair you up with others in a similar position,” he said. Entry costs £30 per person.
“We really do get inundated with requests and need to keep the funds coming in, so any extra teams we can get for the go-karting would be fantastic. Hull Karting have been extremely generous to us and we would like to offer our thanks to their team for helping this idea get off the ground.”
Anyone who like to enter a team or join the event as an individual can call John on 07751220401.
The charity is always looking for fundraisers, so if you would like to help them in any other way please contact them at info@tyasfoundation.co.uk
