Shropshire Star

Mother of Georgia Williams to chair trust

The chairman of the Georgia Williams Trust has stepped down from the role and handed over the reins to her mother.

Published

Richard Langton said his promotion to chief inspector at West Mercia Police based in Kidderminster meant he could no longer commit enough time to do "justice to the role of chairman".

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Mr Langton, a colleague of Georgia's detective father Steve, started the trust soon after the community-spirited teenager was murdered in May 2013.

Richard Langton – police promotion

Under his leadership, the trust has raised more than £80,000 for 11 to 18-year-olds living or studying in Telford & Wrekin to take part in life building activities.

The keen runner has thrown himself full throttle into fundraising with challenges including The Shropshire Way Ultramarathon and Running Riot for Georgia which saw him complete a 5k park run and two half marathons dressed in riot gear emblazoned with the trust's logo.

Georgia's mother Lynnette has taken over as chairman and said she could not thank Richard enough for the work he had done.

She said: "Richard has done a fantastic job. He really has driven the trust and it wouldn't be where it is today without his commitment and enthusiasm. We are trying to get more volunteers involved to help us carry on to the high standard that Richard has set. We would like to branch out and look into other scholarships. But we really cannot thank Richard enough for everything he's done."

Georgia Williams

A message from Richard posted on the Georgia Williams Trust Facebook page read: "I want to let you know that with much regret the time has come for me to step down as chairman of the trust.

"As some of you will know, in February this year I was given a more senior position at work which has seen me take on a great deal more responsibility as well as longer hours and much more travelling.

"The bottom line is that I can no longer commit enough time to do justice to the role of chairman.

"Having led the trust from its inception, it is going to be really hard for me to step away but I have to be honest with myself, the trustees, the Williams family but also with my own family in accepting that it is no longer viable for me to continue."

He added: "Steve, Lynnette and daughter Scarlett will do an amazing job and it is right that they should be the ones to shape the trust and decide where it goes from here.

"There is still much for me to do before I can fully hand over to Lynnette and I will continue to support the trust where I can, but I wanted to take this opportunity to thank every one of you who have been there for us from the outset, who have raised money, organised events, volunteered and supported every step of the way.

"It has been a privilege and an honour for me to have chaired The Georgia Williams Trust and it is something that I will always be truly proud of.

"I would also like to thank the wonderful trustees and volunteers who I have been so fortunate to have worked with – I have every confidence that they will ensure that the trust goes from strength to strength."

To help the trust visit www.thegeorgiawilliamstrust.org

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