Newsletter Spring 2026

Dear Supporter,

It is a pleasure to be able to write the Spring Dorothy Kerin Trust (DKT) newsletter, just as it is a privilege to be able to support charities & projects around Kent & East Sussex & to be able to hear stories of how funding is being put to such good use.

I am a relatively new trustee to DKT, a GP by background who was aware of the great work done by Burrswood Hospital, not least in hosting GP educational events. One of my post-retirement pleasures is shared with a men’s walking group which contains two previous board members of the Burrswood Charity, where I routinely enthuse about how the charity has now evolved to widen its influence & breadth of impact, I think Dorothy Kerin would feel humbled but I’m sure proud of the ongoing impact of her legacy.

I mention how wonderful it is to hear the stories of how funding is being used. I came to know DKT as a beneficiary when a few years ago. Crossline, a Christian Counselling charity secured three years of funding to support a bursary scheme for those not able to afford counselling. It is difficult to describe the relief, gratitude & joy that one experiences when one hears the news of such financial support.

As trustees we aim to stay in touch with charities that we support. The relationship & feedback are helpful, inspiring & motivating to us in our role. I had the privilege of attending the launch event for the Cascade strategy, a project conceived at St Benedict’s Priory which aims to support the wellbeing of those working in, for & with the churches & church schools in Rochester Diocese.

The Cascade West Malling symbolizes the cascade of wellbeing influence through individuals in the churches & church schools of Rochester Diocese.

The key note speaker shared the findings of the ‘Living Ministry’ Research project which has tracked the wellbeing of a cohort of clergy for the last 10 years. There were 50 or so folk in the room all with a passion for support of Anglican Churches & Church Schools in the Diocese. DKT has funded Juliette, the project worker for this investigative phase of the project. Future funding for the next four to five years has been agreed with the Church Commissioners. This project has the potential to be highly influential in the 211 parishes & 90 church schools in the diocese. I believe this project is illustrative of the influence that DKT aspires to bring to our communities in Kent & East Sussex.

At the most recent DKT Board meeting funding was agreed for ten new projects. These projects support churches, organisations & ultimately people at all ages & stages of life. There are common themes in these projects, but all are ultimately expressions of care for the needs of a particular people group. Where funding is given in support of an organization, it facilitates the care delivered to individuals, children, young people, the disadvantaged & marginalized in that group.

It may be more blessed to give than to receive, but we know that those who receive DKT funding are blessed & we as administrators of the Trust are truly blessed by the joy of donation & in witnessing the impact that this funding brings. Our decision making is always preceded & underpinned with prayer & we are very grateful for those who continue to support the charity through prayer, donation & legacy.

Holyrood Scheme – Information request

The Dorothy Kerin Trust CIO trustees are seeking information from anyone who has information about the Holyrood, House of St Mary and St John Limited Scheme which was transferred to the Dorothy Kerin Trust in 1983. The Scheme is specific about using the income only for those who need some financial help to pay for their nursing care at Burrswood or at another nursing facility run by the charity. Trustees wish to find out more about the Scheme in order to consider the best way forward for this charitable funding. Any information you may have about the background to the Scheme would be welcomed. Please send it to our email address:-

office@burrswood.org

or write to our official address which is :-

c/o Hempsons LLP, Third Floor, 3 Dorset Rise, London, EC4Y 8EN

Thank you for taking the time to read this most recent update & for your continued interest & support for DKT.

Trustee – Dorothy Kerin Trust

Dr Anthony Jones