Dr Richard Kay

A charity founder who has transformed the lives of boys growing up without a father figure has been nominated for the Inspiration Award, sponsored by McDonald’s.

Eight years ago, Dr Richard Kay founded Chapter2 after feeling compelled to address the challenges faced by boys growing up without consistent male role models. Since then, he has dedicated his time, energy and expertise to growing the charity into a life-changing organisation supporting young people across Reading.

“Rich has dedicated so much energy, time and skill to growing Chapter2 into the charity we know today,” said the nominator.

Over the past year alone, 156 men have attended training to better understand the impact of fatherlessness, while 48 boys have benefited from one-to-one mentoring relationships. Rich has also spearheaded fundraising initiatives that have raised more than £500,000, bringing together almost 200 fundraisers to support the charity’s mentoring programme.

Feedback from families said 86% of those mentored felt their confidence improved, while 97% said it provided a positive male role model and someone their child could trust.

“Boys in Reading who may have grown up with limited prospects, and no positive male role model now have a trusted man in their life to guide them into adulthood,” the nominator added.

“Rich has been the pioneer of this but has successfully brought many others on the journey.”