In Memory of Graham White

It is with great sadness that we share the news that our friend and dedicated volunteer, Graham White has passed away.

Graham began volunteering with us in 2019, having heard about the Trust via his friend Steve. It’s hard to convey the impact of Graham’s remarkable voluntary efforts over the last six years. He’s played an integral role in our events and for many, will be the face they recall when they think of us as an organisation.

Graham contributed hundreds of hours of his time and travelled many miles to support us. His passion and care for sharing the richness of our Paralympic heritage, with people from all walks of life, was evident. He’d greet you with a smile and a sense of humour that put you at ease immediately. He’d encourage young visitors to interact with our collection objects, and generously share his knowledge about disability sport, inclusion and Paralympic history. 

Graham’s dedication to disability sport, extended beyond his work with the NPHT. He volunteered as a Games Maker at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and recently completed courses enabling him to referee goalball and boccia matches. Over the years he also contributed to many sporting events as a timekeeper of officials.

Graham’s close friend and fellow volunteer Steve paid tribute to Graham at our recent volunteer coffee morning. Together we remembered a man who never sat about and would always be on hand to make things easier for everyone from carrying things, to getting in the coffee. His height was certainly an advantage when it came to erecting the pop-up museum though he’d applaud the rest of us for trying! He loved a chat, he never complained, he was a generous listener and his calm optimism was infectious. 

A few months ago, Graham said that his proudest moments from volunteering came from ‘us as a team - volunteers and staff members working together to deliver the best experience we can for everyone we encounter’. Graham was at the very centre of these encounters, bringing wit and humour to fellow volunteers and the NPHT delivery team, and knowledge and encouragement to everyone he met. 

Graham sadly passed away on 14 November and his funeral will take place at 1pm on 9th December at Rainsbrook Crematorium in Rugby. His family have very kindly asked for donations to be made to us in his memory. 

If you would like to make a donation, then please visit our donations page and select ‘In memory of Graham White’ from the drop-down menu when asked, 'why are you donating?'. Thank you. 

Graham will be deeply missed by all of us at NPHT and beyond. We’d encourage anyone affected by this news to reach out as we remember a man who will always remain a valued member of the NPHT family.