Michael was a wonderful philanthropist supporting many charities in Hampshire and further afield. He was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire in 1994, awarded an M.B.E. in 2008, and was High Sheriff for Hampshire in 2008/09.
In 1990, Michael established the Ellis Campbell Charitable Foundation to support disadvantaged young people and it’s through this Foundation, that Michael and his family have been supporting sport and enrichment activities at Treloar’s for many years.
Michael enjoyed the outdoors, sailing and powerboats, and it was his wish that our students experience sporting activities especially water sports and sailing. Over the years our students have gone sailing; taken part in Wet Wheels boat trips; experienced flight simulator and taster flights; and taken part in seated-skiing and swimming galas. In addition, four School students have been awarded their Bronze DofE awards with their entries being funded by the Ellis Campbell Charitable Foundation.
In addition, the Ellis Campbell Charitable Foundation has helped many of our students develop their talent for boccia (a game similar to bowls), a Paralympic sport. We’re proud to say that a number of our students have gone on to successfully represent Great Britain in the Paralympics.
Sally Kidson, a former student was discovered and supported to develop her talent for boccia at Treloar’s through the Ellis Campbell Charitable Foundation. Sally joined Team GB at Paris 2024 Paralympics, at only 19 with the Foundation funding Sally’s first set of Boccia balls for competition use! Sally is not the first Treloar’s student to soar high in the world of Boccia.
David Smith OBE, came to Treloar’s in 2000, where his talent for Boccia was spotted and where he received support to develop it. He became the youngest ever player to win the British Boccia Championships at the age of 14. David holds five Paralympic medals for boccia (including Tokyo 2020) and is a Patron and Team Ambassador for Treloar’s. Along with Sally, he represented Team GB in Paris 2024.
Lastly, we’re delighted to share the news that Sophie Newnham, who left Treloar’s in July, is on the Boccia UK World Class Programme. Sophie discovered boccia during her PE lessons at Treloar’s and is now training for the World Championships in Seoul.
Over the years, our students have enjoyed fantastic experiences and created wonderful memories thanks to the activities supported by the Ellis Campbell Charitable Foundation. Director of Fundraising, Chloe Atkins, explains:
‘Michael was a dedicated advocate, supporter and donor for Treloar’s for more than 20 years. The impact on our students is immeasurable and will continue to be felt. Our thanks go to Michael and his family for all their support.’
To recognise Michael’s commitment to supporting Treloar’s, our independent adult living service is named Campbell Court after Michael.
Campbell Court is a community of self-contained flats located adjacent to Treloar’s campus offering supported independent living to young adults aged 18-35 years. The aim of this provision is that within two years of being at Campbell Court, each young person will have moved on to some form of independent living.
Michael’s legacy continues to inspire us, and he will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.