Jason Downer
Jason Downer Memorial Fund
It is with great sadness that we have to report to you that Jason Downer born on 27th August 1970 died in August 2006, shortly before his 36th birthday.
Jason was sailing with two friends in the English Channel when their yacht “Ouzo” was involved in a fatal accident killing all on board.
Jason was Head of Trade Finance at Europe Arab Bank plc in London and travelled frequently between London and the Middle East but still found time in his busy schedule to support a small charity like BELS.
He used his background in financial analysis and business development within investment banking, corporate banking and industry together with his experience of EdExcel vocational training and previous charitable work with the Cranfield Trust to work with BELS. Despite the demands of his job he took on the role of Deputy Chair and Treasurer, helping and advising BELS to structure its organisation and finances to provide our young beneficiaries with those opportunities they had missed in order to help them find appropriate employment or the right course of study.
Jason strongly believed that the young people that we work with, who in many cases have had a difficult start in life, deserved every chance to develop their skills, knowledge and self confidence to achieve their full potential.
Jason was a reliable, conscientious young man with a lot of energy and enthusiasm for life and a brilliant role model for our young people. His guidance, energy and enthusiasm will be irreplaceable.
We are very pleased to have been approached by a number of Jason’s friends and family with requests to set up a Memorial Fund in honour of his commitment to this Charity.
It is hoped that the Jason Downer Memorial Fund will be used to facilitate the development and understanding of young people especially in the areas of business and finance. This fund will ensure that Jason, and the work he did, will be remembered by all of us for many years to come.
The trustees, staff, partners and beneficiaries of BELS have expressed their sadness at his passing.
It has been recommended that all donations to BELS in respect of Jason’s memory be placed in a fund and used to award an annual prize or prizes to young people participating in BELS’ projects.
If you would like to make a donation to the Jason Downer Memorial Fund please send your cheque, made payable to Business Education London South, to:
Jason Downer Memorial Fund Business & Education in London South Third Floor, Surrey House Scarbrook Road Croydon, CR0-1SQ
Or please make an on-line bank Giro transfer to:
Business & Education in London South Co-operative Bank Sort Code: 08 – 92 – 99 Account No: 65078378 Reference: Jason Downer
If you are a tax payer please take a moment to complete and sign the Gift Aid Form and return to us with your cheque. Please note that this will increase your donation by 28% thanks to the Inland Revenue.
Please accept our gratitude for your donation and our assurance that these funds will be used to promote the development and learning of the young people Jason worked so hard to help.
Comments:
"He was such a very decent man. We truly appreciate his dedication to BELS, his contributions of time, energy, persistence in those early days, and his genuine interest in the young people we work with." Trustee
"How very sad, our thoughts are with his family and friends." EBP Manager
"Jason was such a really nice person – he was always cheerful, full of enthusiasm and willing to give up his time without complaint. It was a privilege to work with him." Trustee
If you would like to leave any comments in memory of Mr Jason Downer please email them to Andrew Garlick at andrewgarlick@bels.org.uk and he will organise the uploading of these.
