About The Trust

Funding Northern Ireland’s Future Sporting Champions

For 50 years, the Mary Peters Trust has been Northern Ireland’s leading sports charity, dedicated to supporting young athletes with the talent and drive to succeed on the world stage.

We step in at the crucial make-or-break stage, when passion is high, but resources are scarce. Families are stretched, fundraising is tough, and access to quality coaching and facilities can feel out of reach. That’s when our support matters most.

As a charity, the Trust acts as a launchpad — providing the belief, funding, and opportunities that give athletes the boost they need to soar. Many go on to represent their country and stand proudly on podiums around the world.

Today, we’re just as committed to the next generation. The champions of tomorrow are already training, striving, and dreaming — and with the Mary Peters Trust behind them, they’re ready to take flight.

Lady Mary Peters

LG CH DBE DL DStJ OLY

Gabby Logan MBE

BBC Sports Presenter

‘Without Mary Peters’ Olympic gold medal success at Munich 1972, there wouldn’t have been a Denise Lewis or a Jessica Ennis-Hill nor a Katarina Johnson- Thompson. Mary set the bar for other female athletes to follow.’

‘I owe so much to Mary Peters. I was a beneficiary of one of her foundation’s grants, and for that, and for her continued support, I will always be grateful.’

Carl Frampton MBE

Boxing Champion

Rhys McClenaghan

Olympic Gold medallist, gymnastics

‘It’s just amazing to have someone like Mary Peters who is an Olympic champion and her Trust to come to you when you’re just starting out and believing in you. The Trust believed I could achieve my dream. Thank-you for 50 years of belief.’

‘Support from the Mary Peters Trust enabled me to travel to my very first competition in 2014 – the UK Championships. Without help to attend that event I’m not sure I would ever have discovered how much boccia could change my life.’

Claire Taggart MBE

Former Boccia Paralympian

Baroness Katherine Grainger

Five Olympic medals

“Mary takes her place amongst those few special sporting stars who have achieved legendary status both as an athlete and in her achievements since leaving the track. A joyful trailblazer, Mary lit up the track herself, and ever since has been working hard to change the lives of so many other athletes for the better.”

‘Mary Peters is exceptional. One of the kindest women I have ever met. With an unparalleled influence in sport in Northern Ireland, Mary is a massive role model and inspiration to so many people for years - including myself!’

Hon Col Dame Kelly Holmes MBE (mil)

Double Gold Olympian

Danielle Hill

Irish Olympic swimmer

‘I wouldn’t be half the athlete or gone to half the competitions to represent this incredible nation without the support of Mary Peters and her Trust or the inspiration Mary has given me. If I can be half the woman and half the athlete that she is, I know I’ll be doing something right.’

‘Thank you so much for supporting me on my athletic career so far and taking my dream to a professional level.’

Hannah Scott MBE

Olympic Gold Medallist, Women’s Rowing