Tributes paid to The Matthew Project visionary Peter Farley

The event took place in honour of The Matthew Project founder Peter Farley and was held at the project’s Recovery Hub in Norwich. 

As well as friends and family of Mr Farley, who died last September, staff and volunteers past and present also came along. 

Mr Farley's daughter, Caroline Gaskin, paid tribute to her father. 

The Lady Dannatt, Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, and Margaret Farley after unveiling the plaque (Image: Network Norfolk)

“Dad was truly honoured when he was asked to be a patron,” she said. 

“He would come home from the meetings very fired up about the Matthew Project’s work and full of enthusiasm and pride that the charity continued with the same ethos with which he started it. 

“It brought him so much joy to be able to help so many people and it brings his family great comfort and pride that his legacy lives on through the work that the charity continues to do.  

“It really is wonderful to acknowledge what the project is achieving and doing and that dad’s vision to support young people in need really does live on.” 

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Guests of honour included patrons Henry Cator OBE and Lady Dannatt MBE the HM Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk. 

Sarah King, social enterprise manager of the project, added: “It was a wonderful afternoon, full of smiles and shared memories, with a delicious afternoon tea.” 

Lady Dannatt and Mr Farley’s wife, Margaret, unveiled the plaque for guests to a rapturous round of applause. 

Peter John Farley, of Sheringham, died on September 29, 2022. A service of thanksgiving took place at St Peter’s on Church Street followed by a wake at the Lighthouse Community Church. 

The Matthew Project continues to support and educate people impacted by drug and alcohol-related issues.