Their journey here began with a shared vision for the role that can be played in society by grass roots community development. Starting with the Penygraig Basement Project in 1977, aimed at helping young people at risk of getting into serious trouble, they have built our charity from the ground up.  Forever pioneers, they steered us into the provision of excellent services in areas such as play, youth work, the arts, community well-being, and therapeutic approaches – touching thousands of lives. 

Margaret and Richard were instrumental in the development and expansion of Valleys Kids, helping to shape the values and programmes that would make it relevant across a range of localities. They dedicated their careers and their lives to fostering a unique approach to supporting and empowering individuals, families, and communities through understanding and responding to local needs. It involved providing “professional friendship” for all and giving a central role to volunteers.  Working in partnership locally and nationally to deliver opportunities of many kinds, they helped to create strong and abiding links with other organisations such as the local council, the Welsh Government, the Millennium Centre, the Tate, and the Royal Academy. Individuals ranging from Lord Hunt to Archbishop Desmond Tutu bought into this vision and supported Valleys Kids. 

We are incredibly grateful to Margaret and Richard for their leadership, wisdom, and the countless hours they have devoted to making Valleys Kids what it is today. With gratitude and respect, we all acknowledge the unique contribution they have made over nearly five decades – a period characterised by dedicated service and unwavering commitment to our mission. Their legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and profound impact in fostering well-being, generating opportunities and bringing new life to some of the Rhondda’s most iconic buildings.

Phil Evans, the Chair of Valleys Kids Board of Trustees said: “Please join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks to Richard and Margaret. We wish them fulfilment and happiness in a most well-deserved retirement. For us, they represent all that is exceptional about the third sector, especially its resilience in the face of funding challenges and the way in which it unites people of all backgrounds behind great causes which benefit those who face trials and adversity. As our organisation continues to adapt to a changing world, one where the need for engagement with communities is as acute as ever, we will strive to ensure that their legacy and example will remain at the heart of Valleys Kids and its work.”