Founders

Technology entrepreneur David Richards, founder of WANdisco, and Jane Richards, set up their family foundation to educate, empower and improve the lives of children. The Richards are keen that the study of computing and technology in schools is fun and engaging. They have a love of all things outdoors and as such are very conscious of the duty to safeguard our environment and work to promote beekeeping as a valuable way to help young people become advocates for a greener society, as well as promoting pollinator-friendly planting in unexpected areas. They believe that universal internet connectivity is a goal of any equitable society and strive to make that reality. In 2020, when so many children found themselves forced to undertake schooling from home, the foundation was delighted to back The Laptops for Kids initiative, spearheaded by WANdisco, The Sheffield Star and Learn Sheffield. With the generous support of local and regional donors, the program has seen over 15,000 refurbished and new devices distributed to children in Sheffield and the wider South Yorkshire area. With the resumption of normal schooling, the program has now expanded to Laptops for All, to support under-served communities across the region