We're dedicated to supporting disabled athletes, their dreams and their future in the sport of fencing
Our trustees give voluntarily ensuring that 99% of funds benefit the applicants
About The Trust
so what do we do and who is it for ?
We believe that everyone, regardless of ability, should have the chance to experience the dynamic sport of fencing.
As a dedicated charity, we focus on providing crucial funding and support to disabled individuals who are enthusiastic about fencing.
Whether they are just starting their fencing journey at a local club or are accomplished athletes representing Great Britain on the international stage, we are here to help.
Our commitment lies in ensuring these individuals can continue to be an integral part of the fencing community, receiving the assistance they need to thrive and find joy in every aspect of their fencing experience.
Our Mission
what are we trying to achieve ?
... to empower disabled fencers, coaches, and paralympic athletes by providing the funding they need to pursue fencing at every level.
Whether you're dreaming of winning gold or simply aiming to enjoy fencing in your local club, we are here to support your journey.
We offer help with:
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Competing in international tournaments.
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Attending training camps around the globe.
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Covering costs for fencing and coaching equipment.
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Supporting necessary training and coaching expenses.
We strive to remove financial barriers and create opportunities for disabled individuals to thrive in the sport they love.
Viv Mills went into the Police Force straight from school in the early 1970's and reached the ranks of Superintendent before she was forced to retire in 1999, as a result of injuries sustained in the course of her duties. Viv's voluntary contribution to life is extensive and includes expedition work in Belize, Botswana, Guyana, Uganda and Kenya, working with young people on behalf of Unicef, Operation Raleigh and Raleigh International, the Red Cross and other local charities. She became a volunteer for the Princes Trust (now The King’s Trust) in1988, and worked as an assessor for the charity for nearly 30 years. Wheelchair Fencing After a considerable period of recovery following her injury, Viv took up wheelchair fencing at the tender age of 54, becoming British champion at women's sabre in her first year and retaining the title for the next two years. She selected to fence for Great Britain and went on to represent her county for three years, winning a bronze medal in women's foil at Montreal in 2010, and bronze medal in women's sabre at Hong Kong in 2012. After Hong Kong Cup Viv retired as an international athlete, but she retrained as a fencing coach and a development coach, and joined the coaching staff of the GB squad, as a volunteer. In addition to her work with the national squad, Viv was appointed as an Ambassador for the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWASF), with the task of expanding wheelchair fencing worldwide. She was also appointed to the Board of England Fencing and by combining an influence in both organisations, managed to play a major part in the introduction of wheelchair fencing into the Commonwealth Fencing Championships.
How It Began
Why The Trust was formed
How To Apply
How The Process Works
Application Process:
Each application undergoes review by an assessor, with final decisions made collectively by the board within 28 days.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must reside in the UK.
Applicants must have a disability.
Applicants should demonstrate an active interest in fencing through participation, competition, or coaching.
Funding Information:
Our funding serves as a partial contribution towards the total cost of the application and is subject to a cap per individual. Applicants are required to detail how the remaining costs will be covered when submitting their application.
Darron Phillips has an engineering background, and a career in aviation engineering. He has worked in Portsmouth, the Middle East, and now in Gloucestershire. Darron enjoys trouble shooting, and he is currently assisting the Trust, and wheelchair fencing, as a Trustee.
DARRON PHILLIPS
Billy enjoyed a career in the Aerospace industry. He later set up his own is a retired Quality Consulting Limited Company. He joined our team of Trustees in 2019. He has vast experience of charity work and fundraising, last year he took over the role of Treasurer.
BILLY PORTER
Dan represented Great Britain between 2013-18 as a fencer. Passionate about working with disabled youngsters, Dan finds the time to manage a vibrant Basketball Club and utilises his experience of performing at the very highest level, to help young up-and-coming fencers.
DAN SMITH
Kat has worked for local government but her previous roles were in the caring and support fields. Kat has many years experience as a volunteer, and for 10 years was a volunteer with The Prince's Trust. When Viv proposed to form The Sabre Trust she was honoured to become a Trustee.
KAT MOON
Kevin became a volunteer with the Prince's Trust in 1986, first in London, and then with Sussex since 1990. During the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics he was a volunteer Games Maker. He later volunteered for the 'January to March' project, providing breakfasts for the homeless. Kevin is the Vice Chairman of The Sabre Trust.
KEVIN MASTERS
I spent 25 years helping students shape their futures as a careers adviser. I also dedicated over two decades to The Prince’s Trust, including a decade as Chairman of the Sussex Development Awards panel. Now, I lead the Sabre Trust as Chairman, Trustee, and volunteer assessor, continuing my commitment to making a difference.
PHILLIPA FARMER
I'm Viv Mills, founder of The Sabre Trust, supporting disabled fencers. After an injury ended my police career in 1999, I found success in wheelchair fencing, winning two international bronze medals. This inspired me to create The Sabre Trust to help others participate in the sport. I also coach fencing.
VIV MILLS
Our Trustees
The People Who Make It All Possible
Our Trustees, as individuals, bring diverse and unique skills and perspectives. However, together, we share a unified vision: leveling the playing field for disabled athletes. Our primary focus is on delivering vital funding to support individuals in the sport of fencing.
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