Who are we?
Last time out, I gave you a bit of background about me and some of my ponderings but I think context is important so I thought it would be good to give you a bit of background about the charity I helped create and now employs me.
Everyone who met Rob Clarke knew one thing: he loved people like no one else. He remembered every detail, cared genuinely, and poured his whole heart into whoever was in front of him. At his funeral, every single person felt, in some way, “Rob was my person.”
Rob’s compassion didn’t stop with those closest to him. During the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, he put himself where many wouldn’t. As a Christian and a public figure in the church, supporting people affected by HIV/AIDS was unusual — and often unpopular. Some didn’t trust him because of his faith, and some in the church were upset by his compassion. But Rob didn’t care. He just loved. He broke through misconceptions, advocated fiercely, and showed everyone the compassion they deserved.
I’ve seen him love my family, myself, and countless others — especially people many would cast aside. That’s the heart behind The Rob Clarke Community Trust. TRCCT grew out of necessity, though it had been a dream for a few of us for years. The foodbank started by a local church in 2017 eventually needed a new home. My wife, our friend Ben, and I explored creating a charity, quickly building a team of trustees who care deeply about the community. TRCCT became a registered charity in September 2024, and in April 2025, we officially took on the foodbank and FISH, a school holiday food project run by my wife.
Setting up a charity isn’t easy, and I certainly couldn’t do it without our trustees. Their knowledge and attention to detail is amazing and so freeing. They ensure everything runs safely and smoothly, giving me the freedom to focus on what matters: serving my community.
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Rob’s family is part of the work too. Emma, his daughter-in-law, is a trustee; Jake, our warehouse manager, is his grandson; Jimmi, one of his sons, volunteers twice a week; Chris, his other son, is my brother-in-law; and Jenny, his wife, bakes beautiful cakes every week for our Wednesday night drop-in café.
At TRCCT, we live by Rob’s example. He longed to see people thrive and achieve their dreams. That’s exactly what we want: to make sure no one gets left behind and to see people fly.
I personally have big dreams for us as a charity. I’m not sure they are all possible but everyday I have the honour of talking to many different people that need different things in their lives. I can see the gaps, I can see the problems with the current services, I can see why so many people are stuck in a loop.
I’m very aware we are not the solution to all these gaps and nor should we be, but I really do hope that we can start bridging some of those gaps soon. I think my community deserves it.
Feel free to get in touch if you think so too.
sam@lowestoftdistrict.foodbank.org.uk
