John Kirkland O.B.E, Life President of Bowmer + Kirkland, one of the largest, and most successful privately-owned construction and development groups in the UK, has become the first patron of The Geoff Capes Foundation. A recently launched national charity based in Derby, it raises funds to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people by providing them opportunities to participate in sport and other recreational and leisure time activities, enabling them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals.

The charity was started by the legendary British athlete, Geoff Capes, a British former shot putter, strongman and professional Highland Games competitor. As an athlete he represented both England and Great Britain in field athletics, specialising in the shot put an event in which he was twice Commonwealth champion, twice European champion, and three time Olympian. As a strongman, he twice won the title of World’s Strongest Man, also had numerous other titles including Europe’s Strongest Man and Britain’s Strongest Man. As a Highland Games competitor, he was six times world champion, first winning the title in Lagos in 1981, and held world records in numerous events. Having grown up in rural poverty and overcome many challenges, it’s Geoff’s passion to take the best of all he has experienced to provide opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people to participate in sport and other recreational and leisure activities, enabling them to improve their lives.
Ranjit Banwait, President of The Geoff Capes Foundation, said: “On behalf of the charity, we’re delighted to have someone of John Kirkland’s calibre as the first patron. He brings incredible skills and experience which will be invaluable in our work improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people, through the power of sport. We look forward to working closely with John”.