Skipton based, The Principle Trust Children's Charity, is proudly celebrating its 15th anniversary, having officially raised over £2,262,000 to provide free, life-changing respite breaks for almost 6,000 vulnerable children and families across Yorkshire.
Established in 2011 by Ilkley resident Mike Davies MBE, the charity was born from his own childhood experiences of growing up in difficult circumstances and a disadvantaged background, where simple family holidays were impossible. Sadly, Mike lost his Mother at just five years old, making his life even more difficult. Driven by a powerful desire to help more children, not just those facing bereavement, but also those facing other adversities, he founded the organisation to offer a vital escape for families facing significant trauma, financial hardship, illness, and isolation.
Over the past 15 years, what began as a small, founder-led initiative has matured into a robust regional organisation providing essential emotional well-being support through respite breaks. The Principle Trust now operates eight respite homes across Blackpool, the Lake District, and Filey, supporting over 300 families annually. Families are carefully selected through a trusted network of referral partners, including schools, social services, children’s charities, children’s hospices, and healthcare professionals.
Every break is provided completely free, a reality made possible by the generosity of patrons, fundraisers, supporters, and funders. Thanks to the charity’s 100% donations policy, every pound raised from events and fundraisers directly funds respite breaks and creates lasting, happy memories for children and families in need.
Another achievement in the charity's history has been expanding its reach to children’s mental health and family wellbeing. The number of children experiencing anxiety, low mood, trauma, emotional distress and poor well-being has increased significantly in recent years. In response, The Principle Trust has sharpened its focus on supporting children experiencing mental health challenges, developing strategic partnerships with:
- Bradford District and Craven Mind
- Leeds Mind
- Rotherham and Barnsley Mind
- Hull and East Yorkshire Mind
Mike Davies MBE, Founder, explained the charity’s impact:
“Today, more than 400,000 children in Yorkshire are living in poverty, around 31% of all children in our region. For many, a respite break is not just a holiday; it’s a chance to reconnect, rebuild, and create precious memories that last a lifetime. In many cases, families tell us these breaks are life-changing. Having helped nearly 6,000 children and families, I am immensely proud of our entire team, who work tirelessly. I want to thank every supporter personally; every penny makes a difference.”
To celebrate its 15th year, The Principle Trust will host a fundraising celebration on 26th September at the Queens Hotel, Leeds. ‘A Night at the Seaside’ is set to be an elegant and immersive celebration of a British seaside holiday, honouring the achievements of The Principle Trust over the last 15 years.
Looking ahead, The Principle Trust hopes to increase the number of free respite breaks provided annually to 375 families, without compromising the quality of the experience provided. The charity is actively strengthening partnerships across Yorkshire with corporates and SME businesses, patrons, and community supporters who share the belief that improving family wellbeing and creating positive memories builds lasting mental health and resilience.
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