A new foundation set up in memory of one of the most popular and high profile figures in Liverpool’s business community will aim to transform the lives of one million people.
"Legend" John Haynes died in early December 2020 and his passing was mourned by many across the Liverpool City Region.
As the founder of the Liverpool Coaching Academy, Mr Haynes was considered as having supported and inspired a generation of entrepreneurs both here and overseas to, in his own words, “fly with the eagles”.
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Now his legacy will live on with the formation of the John Haynes Foundation. Set up with the support and blessing of his partner, Linda Adkins, and his family, the foundation will continue his work of supporting people from all walks of life and ages to transform their lives and careers.
His partner, Linda Adkins, said: “I am sincerely overwhelmed by the love and support shown to me and the family since I lost my beloved John.
"I had no idea he had touched so many people’s lives. The formation of the John Haynes Foundation is the perfect platform to continue his legacy.
"John loved coaching and his memory lives on in all those whose lives he touched. The charity will continue his work of supporting people of all ages and from all walks of life to transform and enhance their lives and careers.”
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A board of trustees has been brought together to take the idea forward and a black tie gala will be held on September 18 to raise funds for the venture which aims to create 1m coaching graduates.
It will include foundation chair Hilda Yarker, who credits Mr Haynes with being her inspiration in business, as well as Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and owner and head chef of the Art School restaurant, Paul Askew, as well as Everton FC chief executive Prof Denise Barrett-Baxendale.
She said: “I am delighted to have been appointed Patron-in-Chief of the John Haynes Foundation. John was a fantastic man, and from whom I and thousands of others learnt so much. His commitment and compassion to support the development and success of others, particularly disadvantaged and young people, was unrivalled.
"I have never known another who cared so passionately and made such a meaningful difference not just in his local community but around the world.
“I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to ensure his life-changing work continues and keep his legacy alive."
Ms Yarker said: “Patron in chief will be Everton FC chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale and the club has agreed to be the headline sponsor for the gala dinner which will take place at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool city centre.
“All of the individuals involved in the foundation have been impacted, mentored or coached by John in a really positive way at some point in their careers. I can think of no better tribute to his life and his work than to inspire another generation to fly with the eagles.”
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Trustees include Andrew Dwerryhouse, founder of Merseyside-based brand marketing specialist Wild Thang, who also credited Mr Haynes with being his inspiration in business.
Mr Dwerryhouse said: “John was a legend in the Liverpool city region business world and we all felt his loss keenly. He was my mentor and my special friend. The first time I saw him speak more than a decade ago he just blew me away.
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“He touched the lives of so many people in countless ways. None of the people who were asked to support the foundation hesitated for a moment before saying yes. That is the esteem John was held in.”
After leaving school at 16, Mr Haynes worked at a furniture factory in Kirkby.
He was made redundant following its closure and later began working as a salesman for Royal Insurance in Liverpool.
He worked his way up to regional director and was in charge of 1,500 people. He left the company in 1998 and used what he had learned about business and leadership and launched the Liverpool Coaching Academy.
The business went from strength to strength and Mr Haynes took his expertise overseas, operating as far afield as Australia and the Middle East. He also for a town in Kenya which has been left devastated by a bomb.
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The John Haynes Foundation will have three key aims: to deliver coaching and mentoring support to people throughout their educational and professional careers – targeting 1m coaching graduates; promote the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to develop an aptitude for entrepreneurship; and facilitating "the ongoing legacy of his wonderful work to support the education of disadvantaged communities" in the city region and abroad.
The gala dinner will take place on September 18 at the Hilton. It will include a special menu presented by Paul Askew and Kieran Maxwell, the hotel's executive chef.
Tickets for the gala dinner, which will include a special menu presented by Paul Askew and Kieran Maxwell, executive chef at the Hilton, are priced at £150 per person or £1,500 for a table of ten.
A limited number of platinum tables are available priced at £2,500 for 10 guests and include a range of promotional opportunities on the night.