Founded at Gatwick Airport
Golden Lion Children’s Trust began through British Caledonian Airways employees and others connected with Gatwick Airport, with early outings including special flying experiences for disabled children.
Our heritage
From British Caledonian Airways to a Golden Lion legacy.
GLCT’s story began at Gatwick Airport in 1973, when people from the British Caledonian Airways community and others connected with the airport came together to create extraordinary experiences for disabled children.
Our story
From first flights to fifty years as a registered charity.
Registered charity
GLCT was formally registered with the Charity Commission on 26 April 1977, four years after its story began.
50 years on the register
On 26 April 2027, GLCT will mark fifty years as a registered charity — while celebrating a story that began four years earlier, in 1973.
Hall of Fame
The people who helped build the Golden Lion legacy.
We are beginning to record the people whose time, energy and commitment helped shape GLCT across the decades.
Captain Jack Shirvell
A long-serving GLCT figure and former Vice President, Jack was part of the British Caledonian community closely associated with the Trust and its work for children.
Harry Davis
Part of the British Caledonian community that supported GLCT from its earliest years, Harry was involved in the charity’s work and fundraising during its formative period.