November 2025
Reading-based charity Berkshire Multiple Sclerosis Centre has been awarded a King’s Award for Voluntary Service, recognising the outstanding dedication of their volunteers. We were especially touched to receive this message from Samantha Harper, Fundraising Manager at the centre: “Last year, John and the Foundation encouraged us to go for it. We’re so grateful for your support and we are so honoured to be awarded it.” A huge congratulations to the whole team at Berkshire MS Centre — an inspiring and truly deserving organisation.
September 2025
Joining the incredible team and volunteers of Christian Community Action (CCA) to help deliver essential furniture to service users in need of emergency support across Reading
Attending the BBC Radio Berkshire Make a Difference Awards, a wonderful afternoon dedicated to shining a light on those who make our town and county such a special place to live. This year, we had the privilege of nominating several incredible people and organisations, including Christina and her dog Millie from Pets as Therapy, SAFE Horses, Sanctuary Strikers, Enrych Berkshire, and The Engine Shed, whereby we were thrilled to see The Engine Shed go on to win their category!
August 2025
Attending the Group Nominations Presentation for this year’s King’s Award for Voluntary Service at the University of Reading, whereby our Foundation was proud to have nominated Faith Christian Group for this prestigious award, which is the highest accolade given to local volunteer groups in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
June 2025
Delighted to visit Reading FC Community Trust, learning about their invaluable work in our community
"This month's local stars are all those at Reading's John Sykes Foundation. A £3,000 grant has been awarded from their Reading Youth Fund to Sport in Mind, the UK's leading mental health sports charity. This grant will help Sport in Mind continue weekly football sessions for up to 12 children aged 10-14 at Palmer Park in Reading. They presented the cheque to Kieran Townsend, Youth Development Officer, and coaches Dan and Lucy. The free weekly sessions aim to improve the mental and physical well-being of young people through regular, inclusive football activities in a supportive environment. The football sessions run term time at Palmer Park."
Featured in Round & About Magazine
May 2025
"Today we welcomed a visit from the John Sykes Foundation, whose generous funding made it possible for us to run our free-to-access boxing camp this half-term 🥊"
N3W ANGLE
"Very damp but exciting day today at Beale Park. Thank you to John Sykes Foundation for our animal experiences which everyone loved"
The Weller Centre
March 2025
From Amanda Stephens, mother of Olly Stephens
January 2025
"We had a visit from the amazing John Sykes Foundation. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support of our community centre and the library. You have restored our faith in humanity :)"
From the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre
December 2024
From The Way Ministry Reading
Productive discussions with Trusts and Foundations based in Berkshire, held by Berkshire Community Foundation
Catching up with Gerry Lejeune OBE DL for a productive discussion on how the John Sykes Foundation and Berkshire Community Foundation can collaborate for the benefit of Reading
November 2024
"We have people that are very very generous in Reading Town, last year we reached out to the John Sykes Foundation for help with floodlights. They bought and delivered them to our dark training ground. In just a few minutes we were lit up and training. We continue to train wherever we want to train even when it is dark."
From Sanctuary Strikers (of Reading Refugee Support Group)
October 2024
Raising awareness of knife crime, working alongside local charities and groups, including Grassrootz Youth Club
July 2024
From Progress Theatre
April 2024
"Thank you to the John Sykes Foundation that always support Olly's Work and for their £1,000 donation, it made our day! You guys are the best ❤🌹🌈"
From Amanda Stephens, mother of Olly Stephens