John Apthorp CBE, OBE was a self-made businessman and philanthropist. He founded the frozen food chain Bejam which he later sold to Iceland and co-founded Wizard Wine which became Majestic Wine.
When asked about his charitable work he said “I have been very successful in the city and have used the funds to give something back to the community. I have concentrated on helping small charities in the local area. I have given lump sums to struggling charities and grants to help new organisations get off the ground."
Mr Apthorp was awarded both an OBE and a CBE for his charity work and was given the Freedom of the Borough of Barnet. He was awarded an honorary doctor of arts by the University of Hertfordshire.
He said: "It is important that businessmen like myself and other successful people give money to help those less fortunate through these tough times."
Before the John Apthorp Charity, Mr Apthorp ran his mother’s charity, The Milly Apthorp Charity which is now closed.
John Apthorp CBE died on the 9th July 2024. The charity is run by his children and his grandchildren in his memory.