Give the Best Away
The story of one of Britain's most generous philanthropists
Murray Watts author Rosemary Lancaster author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:SPCK Publishing
Published:20th Jan '17
Should be back in stock very soon
How John and Rosemary Lancaster made [136 million, and set about giving it away.
Rosemary grew up in a poor family in the North West of England, at the end of the Second World War. Struggling for survival in the era of ration books and austerity, she was destined for something astonishing and inspiring, far beyond even her wildest dreams. John Lancaster, whom she married, left school without qualifications, but had an amazing ability to fix machines and invent things. He would go on to corner the market in conservatory roofing systems; his company became a world leader, floating on the stock market for [136 million. They were multi-millionaires. The pair, both committed Christians, set about giving away their astonishing fortune, starting with their employees. They set up the Lancaster Foundation, with Rosemary in charge, offering medical and practical support to the suffering, disadvantaged and marginalized people throughout the UK and Africa. Rosemary immersed herself in the work of the charity, which purchased an emergency plane for Mission Aviation Fellowship, and started the first village for destitute AIDS victims in South Africa. Rosemary even found herself rescuing children from the rubbish tips of Kenya. Additionally the foundation has sponsored arts initiatives and major inner city regeneration projects in Manchester, and is committed to numerous ongoing local and national youth and community projects. Rosemary and John continue to be one of Britain's generous philanthropists.
“What an incredible story – and beautifully written. I was in tears after the first few pages! Rose has changed the lives of so many through her generosity of heart and the amazing stewardship of what the Lord has provided.” -- Rosemary Conley CBE
“Ray and I first met John and Rose thirty-five years ago when they were living in a caravan with their young family, but even with very little themselves, they were generous to us and have continued to be so to this day. They are incredible people and amazing friends.” -- Nancy Goudie, author and motivational speaker
“John and Rose’s willingness to invest, specifically the three aircraft they enabled MAF to purchase, has resulted in thousands of lives being transformed. Their heart for Africa has always been demonstrated through their practical visits of support.” -- Ruth Whitaker, CEO MAF UK
“Being friends with John and Rose, I have known something of their beautiful story. However, to see it all written down has been truly inspirational. I’m sure like me, you will be touched by their infectious virus of generosity.” -- Andy Hawthorne OBE, founder of The Message Trust, Manchester
“This book is inspiring and portrays Rosemary’s compassionate heart and bravery, especially the story of going onto the dangerous rubbish dumps in Eldoret. With the incredible support of the Lancaster Foundation, Mary’s Meals is instrumental in getting hungry children to attend school by providing 22,000 school meals a day in Eldoret city.” -- Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow OBE, founder of Mary’s Meals
ISBN: 9780857218148
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
256 pages
New edition