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Charity boss proud of helping 45,000 young people

BBC Dr Emma Egging, who is smiling and has short black hair, stands in front of a blurred background of trees and greenery. BBC
Dr Emma Egging is leaving the trust she set up after the death of her husband

The founder of the Jon Egging Trust, which works with disadvantaged children, has stepped down.

Dr Emma Egging, 45, set up the charity in the name of her husband Flt Lt Jon Egging, who died in 2011 whilst flying for the Red Arrows.

The Lincolnshire-based organisation, which focuses on aviation and STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), said it had supported more than 45,000 young people across 14 counties.

Dr Egging said she was "proud" of the achievements, but believed there was "real strength in knowing when to try something different".

She started the trust, also known as Jet, to inspire young people after the death of her husband.

Flt Lt Egging died in August 2011, aged 33, when his Hawk T1 aircraft crashed at the Bournemouth Air Show.

He flew with the Royal Air Force aerobatics team based at RAF Scampton.

Jon Egging Trust Dr Emma Egging and Professor Brian Cox at the finish line of a marathon race. Both are smiling with their hands stretched out and wearing white running vests, with a "Jon Egging Trust" logo and a race number.Jon Egging Trust
Dr Egging with Prof Brian Cox, who became a patron for the trust in 2014

Dr Egging described her time running the charity as an "incredible journey".

She was inspired by her husband's own dreams and wanted to use "his world of aviation" to help "lift young people".

When she started the charity, she knew she would see it through.

"When I take something on and I decide to do something, I always mean it." she said.

"I'm so proud that I decided to do it."

Jon Egging Trust Dr Emma Egging addresses an audience of young people. Behind her, a big screen shows images of children participating in science projects, while a message reads: "Low aspiration does not equal low ability".Jon Egging Trust
The trust works with schools to identify children who need extra help

Dr Egging, who was awarded an OBE in 2021, said she would now take time to recalibrate after "13 full-on years".

She will become a trustee for the charity and Dr Alex Brown will take over as chief executive.

Dr Brown praised Dr Egging for driving the charity "through thick and thin".

"If I can do half as good a job as her, then I will be very proud," he said.

Dr Egging said that although it was "bittersweet" to step down, she was keen to see where else her skills could make a difference.

"Watch this space," she added.

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