Jimi had always supported a wide range of charities including hospitals, hospices and groups working with children and young people. Having had a particularly profitable year, he decided to set up the Fund so that he could continue to make grants in the future. His motivation was to help and support the city he loved, particularly the community where he was born and where his business was based. He added £3m to the Fund in 2009 and, most recently, a further £10 million gift in September 2010, bringing his contributions to an amazing total of £23 million. Tragically, he was killed in an accident in 2010.

In the last two years his Fund has distributed £6 million to 102 different charities and community groups. Much of this has been invested in Leeds: supporting projects working with isolated and vulnerable older people, fixing the roof on a community centre in danger of collapsing, supporting a football club for children who are blind or partially sighted and co-funding a special park at Temple Newsam for children with physical disabilities. He was a regular annual supporter of the three local hospices, as well as Leeds Mencap. Charities working with the armed forces also benefited – Help for Heroes in particular, but also the Yorkshire Regimental Association, the Royal British Legion and ABF The Soldiers Charity amongst others.

Jimi sought no glory or recognition for his charitable work, saw no need for large plaques or special events. Yet the impact he had on the groups he supported was really significant. He was once asked what it was like to be such a great philanthropist. His answer was – “I am not even sure what one of those is, but the reason I give is because I just want to help people who need it most. I believe that businesses that do well should give something back to the community”.

Jimi’s generosity has helped hundreds of less fortunate people in Leeds and will continue to do so for many years to come at a time when the need is greater than ever.