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Days out & adventures
From theatre trips and sporting events to attractions, railway journeys and countryside experiences.
Golden Lion Children’s Trust
Local support. Real experiences. Lasting memories.
Founded in 1973 by British Caledonian Airways staff at Gatwick Airport, GLCT creates memorable outings, joyful experiences and practical support for children and young people.
Supporting children since 1973Founded by British Caledonian Airways staffRegistered charity 272993
What we do
Experiences that build confidence, connection and joy.
Working with families, schools, residential care homes and local agencies, we organise inclusive activities with social and educational value—not cash grants.
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Learning through fun
Activities are selected to encourage curiosity, social confidence, independence and shared experiences.
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Practical partnerships
Local people and businesses contribute time, skills, venues, transport, sponsorship and fundraising support.
Why we do it
Real experiences. Real smiles.
Creating experiences, confidence and memories for children and young people is at the heart of everything GLCT does.
Our impact
Local support. Real experiences. Lasting memories.
Founded in 1973 by British Caledonian Airways employees and others connected with Gatwick Airport, GLCT began by creating special experiences for disabled children. That spirit of practical kindness continues today.
*Source: Golden Lion Children’s Trust Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts 2024/25, year ended 31 March 2025.
1,605recorded attendances across projects & events*
32projects & events*
£14.4kspent directly on projects*
£7.1kadditional donated & discounted value*
Upcoming projects
The days we look forward to all year.
Some GLCT projects have become traditions in their own right — distinctive experiences filled with anticipation, atmosphere and the kind of moments children and families remember long afterwards.
GLCTGlyndebournePerformance for Schools
Autumn tradition
A day at Glyndebourne
For many children, this is a first glimpse of live opera — a day of music, theatre and wonder in one of Sussex’s most remarkable settings.
Bluebell RailwaySanta SpecialA GLCT Christmas tradition
Christmas tradition
All aboard for Christmas
A Christmas tradition filled with steam, songs, excitement and a very special visit from Santa — with a gift for every child.
GLCT ChristmasToy ProjectGifts prepared with care
Christmas project
A little extra magic at Christmas
A little extra magic at Christmas, brought together by supporters, volunteers and local communities who make every gift feel personal.
For individuals
Be part of the next brilliant day.
Volunteer at an event, run a fundraiser, introduce the charity to your network or simply help us spread the word.
Become a supporterFor businesses
Make local impact part of your story.
Sponsor an activity, provide services or equipment, choose GLCT as your charity partner, or organise a team fundraiser.
Partner with GLCTYour support matters
Turn a donation into a day they will remember.
GLCT uses donations to provide activities, goods and services directly for children and young people. Gift Aid can add 25p to every £1 donated by eligible UK taxpayers.
Help create the next brilliant day.
Every donation helps GLCT create memorable experiences and practical support for children and young people.
Donate securely with JustGiving You’ll continue to JustGiving to choose your donation amount and complete your donation securely.News & events
What’s happening at GLCT.
1973
Founded by British Caledonian Airways staff
GLCT was founded by British Caledonian Airways employees and others connected with Gatwick Airport, creating special experiences for disabled children.
About the Trust
Independent, practical and rooted in the community.
Golden Lion Children’s Trust is an independent charity serving children and young people in Sussex and parts of Surrey and Kent. Formally registered with the Charity Commission on 26 April 1977, its story began four years earlier at Gatwick.
Our trustees
The people responsible for guiding GLCT.
Our trustees bring together charity experience, community connections, governance, leadership and a shared commitment to protecting GLCT’s heritage while building its future.
Steve Cooley
Chair & Trustee
I joined the Golden Lion Children’s Trust as a Trustee in October 2025, supporting the charity’s work on governance, strategy and its future development. My focus is on helping ensure the Trust is well governed, sustainable and best placed to continue its work for the children and young people it supports. Alongside my role with the Trust, I have a career in management and leadership and am continuing my studies at the University of Portsmouth.
Simon Head
Vice Chair & Trustee
I have volunteered with GLCT for over 38 years, initially drawn to the charity by the range of projects it organised for children and young people.
More recently, I became a Trustee, having organised GLCT’s two Christmas projects for the past 15 years. I am passionate about continuing to create memorable days out for the children we support, while using the skills and experience I have gained throughout my career in industry to help the charity achieve this effectively.
Lindsey Biss
Treasurer & Trustee
Having previously volunteered with GLCT for over eight years, I witnessed first-hand the positive impact that each outing had on the children we support. Seeing their joy, confidence and enthusiasm as they explored new experiences and had fun was incredibly rewarding.
Having recently semi-retired, I now have more time to support the charity as a Trustee and Treasurer and am committed to using my skills and experience to help GLCT continue its valuable work.
Duncan Mackay
Trustee
Biography and photo to follow.
Liz Le Roux
Trustee
Biography and photo to follow.
Christine Rodgers
Trustee
My name is Christine Rodgers.
I have been a Trustee for the Golden Lion Children’s Trust since 2019, dedicating my time to creating magical outings and fundraising for children with special needs. My journey with the charity began during my 29-year cabin crew career, which started in 1980 with British Caledonian Airways.
Leanne Collingwood
Trustee
I joined as a Trustee in July 2026. I’m a qualified accountant with 15 years in corporate finance, including a spell in a social impact not-for-profit business. I’m keen to put my skills and experience to good use and give something back by helping the Trust support children who need it most. I’m excited to be part of something with such a long history, and look forward to helping build on it.