Rosemary was born at the end of the Second World War. She grew up in a poor family in Clitheroe, struggling for survival in the era of ration books and austerity. But Rose was destined for something astonishing and inspiring, far beyond even her wildest dreams. John Lancaster, whom she married, left school without qualifications, clearly a loser. But he had an amazing ability to fix machines and invent things. He would go on to corner the market in conservatory roofing systems; his company became a world leader, floating on the stock market for GBP136 million. They were multi-millionaires. The pair, both committed Christians, set about giving away their astonishing fortune, starting with their employees. They set up the Lancaster Foundation, with Rose in charge, purchased an emergency plane for Mission Aviation Fellowship, and started the first village for destitute AIDS victims in South Africa. They did not give and walk away: Rose found herself rescuing children from the rubbish tips of Kenya. They have sponsored arts initiatives and major inner city regeneration projects in Manchester. They are one of Britain's generous philanthropists.
Murray Watts is an experienced writer for stage, radio, television, film and animation. He is the author of more than a dozen books, including the novel, Miracle Maker, and was scriptwriter for the highly acclaimed film of the same name.
Title: Give the Best Away: The Story of One of Britain's Most Generous Philanthropists
Author: Murray Watts,MBE Lancaster,Rosemary
ISBN: 9780857218155
Binding:
Publisher: SPCK Publishing
Publication Date: 2018-05-18
Number of Pages: 256
Weight: 0.2601 kg
What an incredible story - and beautifully written. I was in tears after the first few pages! Rose has changed the lives of so many through her generosity of heart and the amazing stewardship of what the Lord has provided. - Rosemary Conley CBE
In the Bible God told Abraham: 'I will bless you... and you will be a blessing.' That's what God did for the Lancaster family. The story of how He took them from the bottom to the top and is using them to bring healing to a broken world is a real page-turner and faith builder. - Bob Gass, international author and speaker
Ray and I first met John and Rose thirty-five years ago when they were living in a caravan with their young family, but even with very little themselves, they were generous to us and have continued to be so to this day. They are incredible people and amazing friends. - Nancy Goudie, author and motivational speaker
John and Rose's willingness to invest, specifically the three aircraft they enabled MAF to purchase, has resulted in thousands of lives being transformed. Their heart for Africa has always been demonstrated through their practical visits of support. - Ruth Whitaker, CEO MAF UK
Being friends with John and Rose, I have known something of their beautiful story. However, to see it all written down has been truly inspirational. I'm sure like me, you will be touched by their infectious virus of generosity. - Andy Hawthorne OBE, founder of The Message Trust, Manchester
This book is inspiring and portrays Rosemary's compassionate heart and bravery, especially the story of going onto the dangerous rubbish dumps in Eldoret. With the incredible support of the Lancaster Foundation, Mary's Meals is instrumental in getting hungry children to attend school by providing 22,000 school meals a day in Eldoret city. - Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow OBE, founder of Mary's Meals
