Ned's Fund

Keep your face always toward the sun
and shadows will fall behind you

Ned’s Fund was set up in 2018 to help young people who haven’t yet found their path in life.

Last year we reached an amazing milestone, having raised and distributed over £100,000 to charities that provide settings where young people can develop an understanding of themselves, their capabilities and their relationships with others.

Ned was bright, courageous, funny, a natural sportsman, a brilliant skier and snowboarder, a wonderful brother and a much loved and cherished son. He was remarkable. He took his own life on 17th July 2017.

Ned and education just did not work; he was under-stimulated and, as a result, disruptive. He spent most of the day excluded from the classroom. Ned left school and home at an early age, without direction. He estranged himself from his family.

We are so grateful to everyone that has supported Ned's Fund over these last seven years. You can see all that Ned’s Fund has helped to achieve though your support in the impact section, and donate to any of our three supported charities via our Linktree.

We've announced Libby Purves OBE as our speaker for Goodwood 2025.

We are delighted to announce that Libby Purves OBE will be speaking at Goodwood House for our annual An Evening with event on 6th November, made possible by the generosity of the Duke of Richmond. This year, all proceeds from the talk will be donated to Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) South.

Take a look »

Words from our founders

Jo Marsden (Ned's mum)
"Ned was my third son of four wonderful children. He was remarkable. Ned's Fund has evolved from tragedy, but my hope is to help as many young adults as I can. May his soul always face the sun."

Jonathan Marsden (Ned's uncle)
"Adolescence is a continually changing state and it can be bewildering. Young adults need to find that thing that feels like a good direction to take, to connect their talents to something tangible - a purpose. The point of Ned's Fund is to help people to avoid pointlessness."

James Rapp (Ned's godfather)
"Ned, my Godson, had so much to contribute to the world but left it tragically early. I am delighted to be playing my part in helping young people, like Ned, who are struggling to find their way in life. We want to assist as many as possible discover their right path to fulfilment and happiness."

Dr. Peter N. Hargreaves, MBchB, MRCGP (Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Ret'd)
"In over 35 Years in Palliative Medicine, I have witnessed most aspects of grief and bereavement. The loss of a young life through suicide is one of the most devastating, affecting families and friends for the rest of their lives. We were very close to Ned, who was my son's best friend. He lit up our lives and hopefully his legacy will help others for many years."

Izzie Hargreaves (Marketing Executive, Beano Studios)
"Ned was very close to my heart, having been one of my brother’s best friends. He was a very special soul that was taken from us too soon. I am so honoured to be able to help with Ned’s fund and raise awareness for such an important cause."

Rev. Derek Welsman (Vicar of St. Mary's Church, West Sussex)
"As a parish priest, nothing saddens me more than the loss of life when something could have been done to support or help. My passion is to fight for and prevent the loss of young lives when so much more could be done to help - I commit my life and support to this."

Always in our hearts.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse