HIS LEGACY LIVES ON...
Vichai Foundation’s £800,000 gift to cathedral
LEICESTER City FC’s charitable foundation, named after the club’s late chairman, has announced it will be helping fund the restoration of Leicester Cathedral.
The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation has awarded a grant worth £800,000 towards the renewal of the building.
The foundation, originally called the Foxes Foundation, was renamed after Khun Vichai, pictured, following the helicopter crash in which he and four others died, on October 27.
The cathedral is raising money for the planned restoration work, which is expected to cost £11.3 million.
Leicester City chief executive Susan Whelan said: “The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation is very proud to support the restoration of Leicester Cathedral – an asset of great value to people of all faiths in our multicultural city.
“Since its formation, the foundation has aimed to support causes that make a difference to the lives of people in Leicester – an objective we remain wholly committed to in the delivery of Khun Vichai’s legacy.”
The renovation of the grade IIlisted St Martin’s Church – some parts of which date back more than 900 years – includes a new two-storey heritage learning centre at the front of the building.
As well as the money from the grant, the build will also be funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which is contributing £3.3 million towards the work.
The Very Rev David Monteith, Dean of Leicester, said: “This is such a transformational gift.
“Khun Vichai was so supportive of so many important causes in Leicester and it is heartwarming to see the foundation continue his legacy.
“I believe this donation sends out a strong message that this is a project which will benefit all our communities because it will enhance the individual experience of being within the cathedral – whether you come as a visitor, a pilgrim or a worshipper.
“We now have £2.3 million left to raise and this support has given us confidence we will reach that target.”
It is hoped the work to the cathedral will help officials cope with the increased visitors numbers it has seen since the remains of King Richard III were interred there.
Work is due to start in 2020 and is expected to be completed by 2022.