Charity marks legacy of film icon Paul Newman
STAFF at a Havant based children’s charity are celebrating the legacy and life of their founder – the late, great Paul Newman.
Every year on the Hollywood icon’s birthday, (January 26) charity Over The Wall takes a moment to look back at Newman’s achievements and his philanthropic accomplishments.
On a day that would have marked Paul’s 95th birthday, the charity celebrated and reflected on its own achievements having seen huge growth in recent years.
Over The Wall provides residential camps for children with health challenges in various areas across the UK.
In 1988 Paul launched his first camp in the US in a bid to create a place for children with serious illness to – as he put it – ‘raise a little hell’.
In 1999, he brought camp to the UK, launching Over The Wall with Scottish businessman Joe Woods.
Back then, the first OTW camp catered for 25 children with cancer. This year, the Havant charity will offer places to 1,200 campers, and caters for as many as 130 different illnesses.
The CEO of Over The Wall, Kevin Mathieson, said: ‘Paul was many things – a Hollywood
icon, an award-winning film director, a race-car driver, and an entrepreneur – but his commitment to philanthropy is his most impressive achievement.
His generosity and kindness knew no limits, and because of this, he has positively impacted hundreds of thousands of lives. It’s with great pride that we reflect on what an amazing person our founder was.’