Charity Commission Registered Number 223537
What is the Sharples Charity?
The aim of this bona fide Charity is to provide small annuities to elderly people who can show that they are legally entitled to use either of the surnames SHARPLES or HESMONDHALGH (by Birth, Marriage or Adoption).
Who can benefit?
Anyone named either Sharples or Hesmondhalgh, who is at least 60 years of age in the year of application, is resident in the United Kingdom and has an annual income below the qualifying level determined annually by the Board of Trustees.
NEW: Undergraduate Support
The Thomas and Richard Sharples charity was founded in the 1920s with the purpose of providing financial assistance to elderly people with the surname Sharples or Hesmondhalgh.
This year, in addition to supporting the elderly, we have decided to focus on helping undergraduate students bearing either surname and have financial assistance available to assist with fees, accommodation or books for up to 3 years.
This excellent opportunity for additional financial support is available for a limited number of students each year. Applications must be submitted by the 31st August for payment / award in the following academic year. The application form can be found HERE. You will be required to provide proof of your name and the course onto which you have been accepted. Further details are included with the application form.
Where does the money come from?
In the 1920’s, Thomas Sharples, a Manchester businessman, died without offspring. His Last Will and Testament directed his Executors to establish a Trust Fund from his considerable estate, together with that of his brother Richard who had pre-deceased him. The annual income generated by the Trust Fund was to be used to provide annuities for elderly impoverished persons who were lawfully entitled to use his family name of SHARPLES or his mother’s maiden name of HESMONDHALGH.
What to do next?
If you believe that you (or someone you know) may qualify for an annuity or undergraduate support from the Trust Fund, simply contact the Trust Secretary by any of the following either:
- By telephone: 01204 388675
- By email: sharplescharity@gmail.com
- Submit application: download our application forms here: annuity application or student application.
Return completed application form to:
The Secretary to the Trustees
Thomas & Richard Sharples Charity
c/o DonnellyBentley Chartered Accountants
Hazelmere
70 Chorley New Road
Bolton BL1 4BY
