Former Governor of Gibraltar, Lord Luce, recently returned to the Rock for a special visit to mark the continued success of the Luce Foundation - an independent charitable trust he established in 2000 alongside his late wife, Lady Luce.

A statement continued: “The Foundation was created as a meaningful way for Lord and Lady Luce to maintain their connection with Gibraltar after their departure. Throughout his time as Governor, Lord Luce was struck by the warmth, community spirit, and exemplary manners of Gibraltar’s young people - a sentiment that ultimately inspired the couple to set up the Foundation with a focus on youth development.

“Since its inception, the Luce Foundation has worked closely with Gibraltar’s Youth Service and other local groups such as the Scouts, supporting young people aged 13 to 17, particularly those who may face challenges at home or in education. The Foundation creates opportunities for these youngsters to grow in confidence, develop life skills, and realise their potential through enriching experiences both in Gibraltar and abroad.  It is designed to complement, rather than duplicate, existing youth services and support structures within Gibraltar.

“To date close to 400 young people have benefitted from the Foundation’s programmes – an achievement that stands as a testament to its enduring value and purpose.

“The Foundation’s flagship project is the annual residential programme organised by the Gibraltar’s Youth Service which includes preparatory work with youth clubs on the Rock, followed by residential trips that combine adventure and cultural exposure. Destinations have included Scotland, the New Forest, London, and voyages aboard the Tall Ships, with many more recent programmes taking place in the nearby area of Ronda, Grazalema and Cadiz. A key element of the programme is the follow-up support which encourages continued engagement with youth services helping participants to reflect on their experiences and maintain positive connections.

“The Foundation continues to be supported by a small group of dedicated trustees from Gibraltar’s business community, who have played a central role in fundraising and sustaining the Foundation’s work, their commitment, alongside that of the Youth Service, has enabled the Foundation to thrive for 25 years.

“Although the Foundation has been active for 25 years, it has deliberately maintained a low public profile. In a small and close-knit community like Gibraltar, the trustees have always felt it more appropriate to focus on quiet, meaningful impact rather than publicity or promotion.”

The Gibraltar Youth Service marked the occasion, stating:

"The Gibraltar Youth Service is thrilled to celebrate a 25-year partnership with the Luce Foundation. We are deeply grateful for their continued trust in our service to carry out their mission of providing outdoor educational opportunities to young people. Through this project, many young people have experienced once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that they will cherish forever."

During his visit, Lord Luce met with Foundation trustees, Youth Service leaders, and several young people who have participated in the programmes over the years. Reflecting on the visit, Lord Luce said:

“It gave me the greatest of pleasure to return to Gibraltar 25 years after my departure as Governor. Above all my late wife Rose would have been as pleased as I was in learning that 400 young people have benefited from the Luce Foundation. I am absolutely delighted that Trustees have decided to continue indefinitely to support the young of Gibraltar in this way.”

Lord Luce’s visit was a timely and heartfelt reminder of the enduring bond between Gibraltar and those who have served it, and a celebration of the resilience, spirit, and potential of its young people.