Tribute to Sir Jack Petchey CBE

My first meeting with Sir Jack Petchey CBE was at a celebration of his eightieth birthday. In the time that I have known him, he has been an inspiration in his commitment to the service of others. Sir Jack chose to invest his wealth in the Foundation to enhance the aspirations and educational opportunities of young people from less privileged backgrounds. He followed this up as an early sponsor of an Academy in Hackney in keeping with his belief that a deprived background should not be a barrier to educational opportunities and achievement. Sir Jack generously supported education in Entrepreneurship when I chaired the Board of the University of East London. I subsequently had the privilege of being a member the Board of the Petchey Academy. I am saddened by his passing. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and members of the Foundation on your loss.