An 84-year-old philanthropist who has donated more than £65million to schools, clubs and projects, including the Jewish Lads' and Girls' Brigade, has celebrated the 10th anniversary of his youth charity in a training vessel named for him.
The TS Jack Petchey made its maiden voyage down the Thames on Thursday, with members of the JLGB and Mr Petchey on board.
The ship takes its name in recognition of the £1million grant donated to the Sea Cadets from the Jack Petchey Foundation, set up by the East End entrepreneur in 1999.
Mr Petchey joined the Navy after the Second World War. He went on to set up a car hire business and branched out into property.
The JLGB's Lizzy Leigh, a 25-year-old research psychobiologist from Mill Hill joined Mr Petchey on board.
She said: "I think the very generous contributions Jack Petchey has given to not only the JLGB but the other uniformed movements, have made a huge difference."
The Jack Petchey Youth Achievement scheme awards young members of the Reform Movement with £300 to be spent on a synagogue, club or community project.
