In a brand new series, Millwall Community Trust will be finding out a bit more about our Trustees.
First up is Peter Garston...
Could you please introduce yourself and a little bit about your history?
My first game was in 1969, walking to the game from Nunhead as I went to Ivydale School, then onto Peckham Manor, leaving without sitting any exams, I had a very dysfunctional upbringing and Millwall became my first ever family and Millwall remains a big part of my life. Both my children were named after players Harry after Harry Cripps and Alfie after Alfie Woods, my 3 grandchildren carry on the tradition all attending their first game before they were 6 months old!
After a turbulent and unconventional teenage years and early 20’s life settled down and I worked my way to fairly senior positions in the telecoms industry, confined space safety training arena, then starting my own business’s training, gas engineers and electrician, at this time supplying free apprentices or training courses for young kids who needed a chance, some who had been in prison and needed that break.
I retired 8 years ago and trained to be a counsellor specialising in alcohol & addiction, childhood sexual abuse and bereavement, in my spare time I go into prisons, schools and treatment centres giving talks on alcohol, addiction, crime and violence and show there is a different way to live, we should all be given a second chance.
How long have you been a trustee with Millwall Community Trust?
I have spent the last 7 years as an MCT Trustee, I have enjoyed every minute and seeing Sean Daly come in and turn it around with the support of the MCT board has been really satisfying especially as when he took over it was in a very negative place and had debt of 100’s of thousands, although a team effort Sean has been pivotal in the turn around.
I have been on the board of directors for Millwall FC and Millwall Holdings for the last 20 years as well.
Why did you become a trustee at Millwall Community Trust?
The main reason was the work the trust carries out is very dear to my heart, I love an underdog, I love a story, I love a challenge.
Seeing someone come to the trust with eyes closed, looking at the floor, no hope, being given that chance, given that support, not being judged, not being victimised for poor decision and being given the chance to turn into the best version of them they can.
That’s why I joined and that’s why I do all I do, I like to do it under the radar, the MCT team do all the work on the coal face as such, helping these kids and giving them a chance and showing them there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
To find out the full list of our trustees, visit: https://www.millwallcommunity.org.uk/our-trustees
