THE INSPIRE YOU STORY

The spark of the idea

The spark of the idea for Inspire You was Leslie Fairclough's vision for a better world.

Many young, talented people face challenging times. Too often they give up on their dreams because the path seems too difficult or even impossible.

Inspire You helps young people walk their path to achieving their heart's desire, with clear focus and direction.

Leslie says: “When we have achieved our goals over the years, miraculous things have happened. We have created a positive ripple effect of hope, energy and consciousness.”

Inspire You empowers young people to be the best they can be. The training programmes, resources and access to entrepreneurial mentors facilitate that positive ripple effect of hope, energy and consciousness. Inspire You encourages a virtuous circle of inspiration, positivity, awareness and success.

Leslie Fairclough is a successful entrepreneur, with extensive business acumen, experience and creative expertise. For 20 years he was a gold medal winning British karate champion, representing Great Britain internationally. He has also served on the board of the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) as an advisor, with particular remit for the growth of ethnic minority entrepreneurs and regeneration of deprived areas. Now Leslie runs Higher Level World and is the founder and trustee of Inspire You.

THE INSPIRATION

A glittering young life, cut short by a tragic car accident, was the inspiration for founding the charity. Inspire You was set up to help talented teenagers and young adults have a fulfilling career and a happy life. It was founded in honour of Leslie and Carol Fairclough's teenage son, Jamel.

Jamel was clever, good fun and his passion for life included dreaming big and aspiring to do more. He was a compassionate, very caring young man who was much loved by everyone. Jamel helped, supported and inspired young people to work towards their own dreams.

When Jamel was killed, Carol and Leslie's impossible grief became a desire to create a lasting legacy for Jamel by inspiring and supporting other young people to shine brightly and achieve their aspirations.

Leslie Fairclough says “Inspire You provides support and guidance to help people thrive and blossom, like roses that have grown up through concrete. Even if life can seem difficult, Inspire You aims to inspire a way forward, providing real opportunities to bloom.”

Leslie's track record of investing time, energy, experience and expertise in talented young people has been proven over the last decade.

“We all want our children and our children's children to inherit a better planet and a brighter future.”

Inspire You is a charity and not-for-profit organisation with three trustees, Leslie Fairclough, Stuart Grosvenor and Jane Noble Knight. They talk about why they are passionate about Inspire You and what they bring to the organisation here Established in Wolverhampton, the hub of Inspire You is based in Tettenhall, with plans to develop additional centres of excellence nationwide. Inspire You has also helped disadvantaged children in the favelas in Rio de Janeiro.

in her own words

These are Carol Fairclough's own words about her much loved son, Jamel.

“On the morning of July 12th 2008; a gifted multi-talented young man who had his whole life ahead of him, was snatched from us. He was a passenger in a car involved in tragic accident. This young man was my son, Jamel Thomas.

Fortunately during his short time with us he touched the life of many. Jamel was a role model for many young people he associated with, just before his passing he was accepted to join the fire service.

He had a unique gift of mediating and bringing people together. He had a positive outlook on life, and always considered the world to be his oyster. Jamel was schooled in the belief that if one advances confidently in the direction of his or her dreams, whilst endeavouring to live the life they have imagined; invariably you will meet with success.

Jamel’s ability to make everyone laugh, his competitive nature and ability to bring the best out of people reinforces our view that the Inspire You Charity is the perfect vehicle to embody his memory. This is why there will always be an indelible link between Inspire You and Jamel.”