Barnardo’s has received the largest single donation in its 160-year history, an £18m gift from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust.

The trust was set up in memory of pioneering female racing driver and businesswoman Katherine Martin, who died in 1959. During the 1920s she helped shape the Aston Martin car brand with her husband Lionel, who was a director at the firm.

She was also a philanthropist with a special interest in supporting children and young people.

The donation will be used to fully fund the Barnardo’s Gap Homes programme, which aims to build around 50 homes for care leavers across the UK. It will also fund support services in the North of England.

There are currently eight Gap Homes, and the donation from the Trust will pay for the next 15, to be build in Lincolnshire, Birmingham and Glasgow. Further locations for a further 30 to be built are currently being finalised.

The Trust has been supporting Barnardo’s for more than 60 years, particularly in the North-East Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire regions. Over this time, it has donated more than £7m, which equates to £10m in current day figures.

“This extraordinary donation from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust is monumental for Barnardo’s,” said Barnardo’s chief executive Lynn Perry.

“We believe it’s the largest single gift in the charity’s history and it’s hard to express just how much of an impact that will have for so many young people.

“This money will enable us to expand our vital Gap Homes programme, providing young people leaving care with the safe, stable homes they deserve.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust for their continued support.

“The generosity of this gift will have a profound impact on the lives of children and young people across the country and we are honoured to deliver this service with Katherine’s legacy in mind.”

The charitable trust’s chair John Richards said: “Katherine Martin was a remarkable woman who believed in the power of philanthropy to change lives. This significant donation is a testament to her enduring legacy.

“We are privileged to continue her mission of supporting children and young people and are delighted that Barnardo’s will use this gift to provide vital support to those who need it most.

“This gift will directly address a critical need for young people leaving care. We believe that every young person deserves a safe, stable home, and we are proud to support Barnardo’s in their efforts to provide just that.

“Our partnership with Barnardo’s has spanned decades, and by supporting Barnardo's, we can honour Katherine's memory and contribute towards a brighter future for generations to come.”

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