Capita founder makes £400k Lowry donation

SIR Rod Aldridge, the chairman of The Lowry arts centre in Salford, and his wife Carol have donated £400,000 to the organisation’s education programme.

Sir Rod, the founder of outsourcing group Capita, established the Aldridge Foundation when he retired in 2006 which sponsors academy schools and colleges.

He has a track record of supporting the Lowry and in recognition of his latest donation The Lowry Studio, which is used for workshops and community activities, will be renamed The Aldridge Studio.

In a statement the couple said: “We are passionate about ensuring that young people overcome challenges in their lives to achieve their full potential. The Lowry has an unparalleled track record in using the arts to change lives. We look forward to being part of the next phase of this exciting programme and seeing the benefits to people’s lives in Salford that The Lowry will achieve because of this donation.”

Lowry chief executive Julia Fawcett said: “Sir Rod has been a driving force in shaping our approach to our successful and life-changing learning and engagement activity. His and Carol’s latest donation will ensure this work continues to be at the heart of The Lowry’s mission – and the re-naming of The Studio is a fitting and thoroughly appropriate way to mark their incredible generosity.”