Steve Chalke

Steve was born in Croydon of mixed race parents. In 1985 he and his wife set up Oasis Trust, based in Waterloo, working with the homeless and disadvantaged. Oasis now works in 11 countries on five continents providing education, housing, training and healthcare. In the UK Oasis has become an important provider of opportunities for young people through its sponsorship of Academies. Oasis now runs 13, deliberately taking on schools in areas of significant deprivation around London, Southampton, Bristol, Manchester and the north east. Steve leads from the front and is an inspirational speaker and fund raiser. In 2005 he raised £1.25mn running the London marathon. In the 2011 marathon he raised £2.32mn, another new world record. Steve has not sought honour for himself, although he was awarded the MBE, but his vision, energy and drive has transformed the lives of many people in London, the UK and across the world. I cannot think of a more deserving torchbearer.