Fundraising Development Manager
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
I first came across David Church in 2018 when I was attending a ‘First Give’ Awards Ceremony at the Welsh Senedd (Welsh Government). One of his students was unaware that she was about to receive the top award of the evening, the ‘Alumni’ of the year award, for her social action and charitable efforts in her local community.
The student had previously been living in a hostel for women and children. Her chosen charity of ‘Women’s Aid’ was incredibly important to her. I watched David cry tears of pride and joy that evening, as his student took to the stage and received the recognition she thoroughly deserved! I may have had a little dust in my eye too!
Fast forward to 2019 and I actually met David. He invited me into his former school, to represent the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity in the 'First Give' programme, which he taught to his year nine students (aged 13-14)
The school is located in a socio-economically deprived area, but David did not let that stop him or his students excel in all that they did. I have been privileged to see that the 'First Give' programme is where a lot of young adults get their first taste of supporting and fundraising for a charity. David has been outstanding with his students in this regard!
David is always the teacher who goes above and beyond, the teacher who motivates the unmotivated, the teacher that makes things happen for the students and for those individuals who are perceived as less likely to achieve.
He finds the little spark that ignites that particular student and he acts upon it. He is incredibly well respected by his students, his colleagues and his peers. His values and ethics are unquestionable.
I continued to work closely with David, as he moved to a new school in another socio-economically deprived area in 2022.
In 2023 and 2024, the fundraising by his year nine students for our charity and many others, was simply phenomenal!
July, 2024 saw David's incredible award-winning, twenty-six years of High School teaching and charity fundraising come to a close. As he begins a new teaching career in the Civil Service, I wish him all the very best.
I have to say on behalf of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity, we are absolutely honoured and delighted that David has chosen us to receive all the proceeds from the sale of his lovingly written, ‘Church of Leppard’ book!
David, thank you so much for your continued kindness and support.
There is only one David Church! X
