Mike’s message of purpose

In presenting his own story of finding purpose and planning action, Mike Seaworthy welcomed new and returning Inspire Foundation grantees into a community designed to help them achieve.

At the Inspire Foundation Grantee Dinner on Thursday, 27 November, at the ASB Theatre’s Whitehaven Room, Mike spoke about the necessity of resilience against the impossible – whatever form that may take.

New grantees include Hailey Crafar (hip hop dance), Ashley-James Fitzgerald (rowing), Janet Luka (music), Charlotte McLean (genetic counselling), Georgia Reed (water polo), Cooper Roberts (rugby), Max Sowman (tennis) and Sam Young (hockey).

Re-grants went to Bess Cuddon-Corlet, Maddy Croad, Jack Hlynn, Jack Frisken, Immy Giles, Liam Keegan, Tom Marshall, Rosie McAllister, Sharon Wilson, Milly Ryan, Kyla Thorstensen, Fred Vavasour, Koko Wong and Katie Pugh.

“It’s in very different surrounds, but the goal of Inspire breaking down barriers of adversity to achieve their own successes is the same adversity we see children dealing with on the day-to-day efforts of ReliefAid on the ground in conflict zones, where it can be overcome by support and dedication shown to their young people,” Mike says.

“The drive of having to get up after a tough day or a poor training, put one foot in front of another and get to work doing where you can be one, I share with these inspirational young people.

“We’re very aware of how many of these recipients have felt where it all feels impossible, as much of the time we do in Gaza, Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine.

“Just in the past year we’ve lost eight workers but when we see the daunting hill, we should also see the inspiration to keep going.”

After starting ReliefAid as an independent, donation-reliant charity in 2015, Mike says purpose takes vision to achieve. He understands how inspiration can come from the most unexpected places after giving up a comfortable commercial life for the more meagre means of running an international NGO.

“Having a purpose is such an important driver in life – I was in investment banking then telecommunications and had all the trappings being very happy, but it wasn’t fulfilling my idea of purpose to help beyond myself.

“Success is no accident as it comes from having a purpose to work towards, and working strictly in warzones the vision of achievement is very different but the joy in achievement is the same.

“And to show young people a pathway to success, you have to give the opportunity for them to achieve whether that’s helping cover equipment, event fees, travel or coaching allowing them to pursue their purpose.”