David Doig Foundation launches with goal of supporting ‘education for all’

A new charitable organisation has been launched in memory of oil and gas industry leader David Doig aimed at tackling education-related inequalities in the UK and abroad.

The David Doig Foundation has been set up by the former CEO of OPITO’s wife Gillian, in memory of her husband, who died suddenly in January after a heart attack aged 57.

A seed fund of over £90,000 has been established by David’s family and industry supporters and Gillian is now launching a fundraising drive so that the Foundation can help as many people as possible regardless of their circumstances.

Gillian said: “David may have left us, but he also left behind a huge legacy and we want to honour and remember that by supporting as many people as possible to access education and build aspirations so that they can achieve their true potential. No person’s educational success should be limited by their socio-economic or geographical background. David was a wonderful man, with a great sense of humour, who was passionate about helping people. He left school with no qualifications and worked his way up to the role of CEO. He championed education and was an advocate of lifelong learning.”

David was a much-respected oil and gas industry leader and a firm believer in social responsibility. His straight-talking approach and belief that all oil and gas workers should be able to go to work and return home safely at the end of each day, helped drive positive change across the global industry.

The David Doig Foundation has been set up in partnership with Foundation Scotland, a UK registered independent charity. Gillian is planning a host of fundraising activities, and is kick-starting events by participating in a family skydive over St Andrews on 17 September. She is also organising a golf day at St Andrew’s on 27 October and is looking for teams to get involved.

The Foundation will support a diverse range of activities from confidence building around returning to education to opportunities for young people and children who are at risk or have been excluded from mainstream education.

Gillian added: “David’s experience at school was not a positive one, but he had an inner strength to survive and succeed. Open University played an important role in his development and through the years he always tried to give back so that the same opportunities could be offered to others. I’d really urge the business community to support his legacy and get involved with the Foundation as it will make a difference to lives.”

Donations can be made through the David Doig Foundation website where details can also be found about education initiatives and hosting fundraising events.

For further information visit www.daviddoigfoundation.com