After 10 years of dedication, passion and countless memories, we are saying a very special thank you to Donna Cox as she leaves the Russell Martin Foundation.

Donna’s story with us goes back to the very beginning,  before the Russell Martin Foundation as we know it today even existed.

Donna joined Russell Martin Academy  in its early days, working alongside Gary Mansell  and Sergio Torres, to help develop and grow the football academy. What began with football and a desire to create opportunities for young people would grow significantly over the years  and Donna was there throughout that journey.

The organisation evolved from the Academy into the Russell Martin Foundation, expanding its work beyond football and finding new ways to support young people, families and communities across Sussex.

While football has always held a particularly special place in Donna’s heart, her contribution to the Foundation has gone far beyond the pitch.

Over the years, Donna has thrown herself into supporting RMF and the communities around us. She has helped raise vital funds for the Foundation, supported countless events and initiatives and was always willing to get involved wherever she could make a difference.

At Christmas, that meant helping organise donations and support for families in our communities who were struggling. Donna didn’t just help arrange it from behind a desk , she would get out and personally hand-deliver parcels to families across Sussex, making sure that support reached the people who needed it most.

She cared deeply about the Foundation and the people it exists to support. If something needed doing, Donna would do everything she could to make it happen.

Reflecting on Donna’s contribution, Russell Martin said:

“Donna has given an incredible amount to the Foundation over the years and has always cared deeply about what we do and the people we support.

Whether it was helping Gary grow the Academy in those early days, raising money for the Foundation or going out at Christmas to personally deliver parcels to families who needed some extra support, Donna was always willing to give her time and do whatever she could to help.

That level of care and commitment is really special. I’m incredibly grateful for everything Donna has given to RMA and RMF over the last 10 years. She has been there through so much of our journey and has played her part in helping us become what we are today. She will always be part of our story and I wish her nothing but happiness for the future.”

Alan Sanders, CEO of the Russell Martin Foundation, added:

"Donna’s commitment to RMF over the last 10 years has been incredible. She has always cared deeply about the Foundation, our young people and the communities we support. We’re hugely grateful for everything she has given to RMF and wish her every success and happiness for the future"

As Donna begins her next chapter, everyone at the Russell Martin Foundation would like to say a huge thank you for her loyalty, commitment and everything she has given over the past decade.

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