Our Inspiration

The charity Robertson Outdoor Bursary is dedicated to the memory of Ian Robertson, the husband of its founder Yvonne Robertson. Rob, as he was also known to his family and friends, died aged 48 on 5th October 2008 from cancer.

 

A few words from Yvonne ...

 

‘Trying to find a way to live my life without Rob is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Climbing Kilimanjaro in 2013 turned out to be quite a turning point for me. Learning about life in Tanzania and then experiencing at first hand the determination and motivation of my porters and guides to improve their lives gave me the hope and strength  to continue my own journey. They helped me, not only to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, but to see that a new life was waiting for me on the other side of the mountain. In return I wanted to help them in some way and on my return home, together with some of our closest friends, I set about founding the charity to do just that.

 

Rob was never one to steal the limelight but you would always find him quietly working away to help and support others. It is in this essence of how he lived his life that our charity works, giving hope, support and empowerment to others.

 

In the years that have passed since then we are delighted to see how our dream to help transform lives in Tanzania has been realised and we will always remember the man who inspired it.