12 May 2025
LASER Education Foundation hosts its inaugural fundraising event
The LASER Education Foundation has welcomed guests to its first-ever fundraising event – a golf day held at the historic Royal Blackheath Golf Club.
The new charity is dedicated to transforming lives by breaking down barriers to education, faced by so many children and young people across the region. Attendees from a wide range of industries came together to raise vital funds in support of this mission.
With Kier Construction as headline sponsor and also supported by Neilcott, ECS and Box Clever, 17 teams of four took part in the event with each playing a full 18 holes of competitive golf.
A networking lunch followed, hosted by LASER CEO, Dr Sam Parrett and Chair, Helen McIntosh – who each welcomed and thanked guests, participants and sponsors.
Three prizes were presented: Nearest the Pin – won by John Bolton (Kier); Longest Drive – won by Jon Bowdery (Neilcott); and the Stace/Box Clever team were the overall winners.
Dr Sam Parrett, Group CEO of London & South East Education Group (comprising LASER Education Foundation, London South East Colleges and London South East Academies Trust) said:
“We created the LASER Education Foundation with one clear goal in mind: to ensure that every individual – no matter their background or circumstances – has the chance to succeed.
“Through initiatives like financial bursaries, wellbeing programmes and mentoring, we are committed to working with partners to help young people overcome the very real challenges they face. Today’s event plays a vital role in making that possible.
“We are hugely grateful to everyone who has attended. Many pledges of support have been made and we look forward to following up and progressing these. Together we really can make a difference.”
Sam explained to guests how the LASER Education Foundation is using experience from the Trust and College, alongside a pioneering research programme, to identify where support is needed most within its communities, to help shape its strategy going forward.
Regional Director of Kier Construction, John Bolton, added:
“It is a privilege to be delivering LSEC’s Future Greenwich campus, which is set to open its doors to students next year – but it is even more of a privilege to be the headline sponsor for the LASER Education Foundation’s charity golf day. Bringing like-minded people together who want to help and support disadvantaged young people is fantastic and we are so pleased to be part of it.”
Further fundraising events for the LASER Education Foundation are planned over the coming months, including a sponsored climb of the O2 and a football tournament at Bromley FC.
Bromley FC CEO, Mark Hammond took part in the event and added: “It’s been a great day raising money and awareness for such an important cause. It’s also been an excellent opportunity to meet people from other industries, connect and see how we can support one another. We are looking forward to next year!”
The Vote of Thanks was provided by Chair of London South East Colleges, David Eastgate.
