Whitby Town’s first community donation awarded to Whitby School for life-changing expedition

Clementine Bentley (Whitby School), Kirsty Brown (Whitby School), Graeme Hinchliffe (Whitby Town), Soni Fergus (Whitby School) and Craig Moth (Whitby Town). The school is the first beneficiary of the Whitby Town FC Community Trust. Picture: Submitted.

Whitby Town FC’s new community trust has made its first investment in the local community, providing £750 to help Whitby School students take part in a month long expedition to Cambodia.

The funding will support 23 students who are preparing to travel to Cambodia for a trip organised by Camps International. The trip faced uncertainty after changes to travel arrangements resulted in additional costs, placing the project at risk.

The donation follows a commitment made by the football club during its centenary dinner last month to reinvest funds into local causes through the charity arm of the club.

During the expedition, students will work alongside local communities on sustainable development projects aimed at improving facilities and supporting long-term schemes. The programme will also include cultural and educational visits designed to broaden participants’ understanding of Cambodia’s culture.

As part of the experience, students will complete a PADI diving qualification, helping them develop new skills and confidence while exploring the country’s marine environment.

Whitby Town representative, Graeme Hinchliffe, said the donation reflected the aims of the Community Trust.

He said: “At our Centenary Dinner, we made a commitment that the club would continue to strengthen its connection with the community by investing in local people and worthwhile causes.”

“We are delighted that the first contribution from the Whitby Town FC Community Trust will help these young people take part in what promises to be an incredible and life-changing experience.”

He added that supporting opportunities which help young people develop skills, broaden their horizons and make a positive impact was central to the Trust’s mission.

This donation marks the beginning of the Trust’s work to support projects across Whitby and the surrounding area, with the club wanting to create a lasting community legacy beyond football.

Danny O’Connor, founder of Whitby Well Being at his home and river sauna location in Ruswarp. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Free sauna offer to help with well-being in Whitby

“No-one leaves feeling worse than when they came”. The powers of heat and cold have long been used for healing bodies and minds, and in recent years there has been a huge shift back towards it as people navigate increasingly busy lives. Whitby Well-being, run by Danny O-Connor, is now offering free sauna sessions to…

Read: Free sauna offer to help with well-being in Whitby
Fisherlads crews who won the Fat Badger Races last weekend, the final local races of the 2026 rowing season. Picture: Submitted

Local rowing wraps up for the season

Whitby’s rowing clubs wrapped up their local racing season last weekend after a busy summer on the water. The Fat Badger Races – Royal Regatta took place last Sunday, followed by food, drinks and a presentation at The Royal Hotel. Results were as follows Under 14 girls, Fisherlads; Under 14 boys, Fisherlads; Under 18 girls,…

Read: Local rowing wraps up for the season
NYMR has released dates for its Santa Specials this Christmas. Picture: Submitted

NYMR releases dates for Santa Specials 2026

Festive fun is set to return to The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) in the run up to Christmas this year. The family favourite event will take visitors on a return route between Pickering and Levisham for an hour-long journey featuring onboard entertainment by Santa and his elves; Elton Elf the musical genius, Chef Custard,…

Read: NYMR releases dates for Santa Specials 2026
Whitby Anchor