Our Story
A Different Path to the Top
Gifts for Dyslexia began in 2013 with a simple idea: people who could benefit from a Davis Programme should have the opportunity to access support, even when finances make that difficult.
The charity’s story began with dyslexic YouTube creator Klaire de Lys. Having experienced the benefits of a Davis Programme herself, Klaire wanted to help make that same opportunity possible for others. She launched a fundraising campaign with a wonderfully memorable challenge — if £5,000 could be raised, she would shave her head.
The target was reached, and with it came the beginnings of something much bigger: a community committed to helping others access Davis Programmes.
A Legacy That Continues
In 2018, following the passing of Davis Facilitator Margarita Whitehead, her family, friends and fellow Davis Facilitators made donations in her memory.
These donations became the Margarita Whitehead Scholarship Fund, managed by Gifts for Dyslexia. Bursary recipients who receive support from these funds are informed that their assistance has been given in Margarita’s name, allowing her legacy of helping others to continue.
What began as remembrance became another pathway through which individuals could receive meaningful support.
Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Fundraising
Over the years, supporters of Gifts for Dyslexia have found wonderfully determined and creative ways to raise funds.
In 2019, Philip Whitehead and Chloe Moore raised £1,141 for the Margarita Whitehead Scholarship Fund by running a marathon.
Then, in the spring of 2021, Gifts for Dyslexia Treasurer Richard Whitehead and his wife Tatiana completed 18 ascents of the Malvern Hills. Together, those climbs equalled the altitude of an ascent of Mount Everest and raised more than £3,000.
That same year, Guernsey resident Colette Mallard opened her spectacular garden to the public, raising almost £4,000.
Different people. Different challenges. One shared purpose — creating more opportunities for individuals who may otherwise be unable to access a Davis Programme.
Becoming a Registered Charity
A significant milestone came in June 2022, when Gifts for Dyslexia achieved registered charity status with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
It marked an important new chapter in the organisation’s journey, building on nearly a decade of fundraising, generosity and community support.
Today, our Trustees and Members continue to develop fundraising initiatives and work to ensure that available funds can help make Davis Programmes more accessible.
From one £5,000 fundraising challenge to marathons, mountains, gardens and memorial giving, Gifts for Dyslexia has always been shaped by people who believe in possibility.
Every fundraiser, donor and supporter becomes part of that story.
And every bursary represents something even more important: another door opened for someone to explore their strengths, build confidence and discover a different path forward.