A PARTY to thank a Bradford charity and its founder is being held tomorrow to raise funds for the creation of a lasting legacy for the project.

The Joshua Project Trust, based in Great Horton, was last week forced to close down due a funding crisis.

People who have been helped over the years by the charity, and its founder Rich Jones, have come together to throw the party at the Fire Brigade pub in Southfield Lane to thank Mr Jones for his hard work.

Funds raised will be used to build a place of peace for young people, as a lasting legacy of the support the Joshua Project Trust has provided over the years.

Also at the event, which begins at 1pm, there will be live music, a DJ, a burger van, raffle, charity auction and bouncy castle.

The event has been organised by Megan Medley and Angie Burke.

Miss Medley, 20, thanked Mr Jones for his care and support over the years.

She said: “I have experienced opportunities and accessed chances that I would never have if it wasn’t for Rich and the work of the Joshua Project.

“The centre might have closed and Rich may be moving on, but the impact he and the Joshua Project has had will live on for generations to come.

“The place of peace will provide young people with a place to go to reflect, feel safe and consider the message of hope that Rich has given us over the years.”

Angie will shave her head at the event if more than £500 is raised. Her hair will be donated to the Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs to girls who lose their hair due to cancer treatment.

She said: “The reason I am shaving my head is because I understand the importance of giving young people the chance to be heard and cared for.

“I was lucky enough to have supportive friends and family when I struggled, but not everyone is, and Rich and the Joshua Project Trust provided care and support to those who struggle.

“When I struggle I appreciate the opportunity to go and sit in peaceful places to get some perspective and to think, and the chance to contribute to a lasting legacy is a real honour.”

Mr Jones, founder and chief executive of the charity until its closure, said: “Everything I have done in Bradford has been motivated by love and a commitment to seeing lives transformed.

“The greatest honour for me is seeing lives changed; to be able to leave the community celebrating the legacy of the Joshua Project Trust is the greatest honour.”