A Legacy That Lives On: One Year Since the Sir Howard Bernstein Memorial

It’s been a year since Manchester came together at the Bridgewater Hall to celebrate the life and legacy of Sir Howard Bernstein, our founding Ambassador, a dear friend, and one of the city’s most influential leaders.

Sir Howard’s impact on Manchester can be seen across the skyline, but his greatest legacy lives on in its people. His belief that every young Mancunian deserves the chance to succeed, no matter their background, led to the creation of the Sir Howard Bernstein Endowment Fund, which continues to empower the next generation through our Manchester’s Rising Stars Fund.

Since his retirement dinner in 2017, the fund has helped hundreds of young people overcome barriers to education, employment, and enterprise, turning potential into real progress and ambition into action.

A year on from the memorial

Over the past 12 months, the fund has continued to transform lives across the city.

• £41,761 awarded in grants

• 36 young people supported through education, training, and opportunity

From helping a care-experienced young woman begin her journey to becoming a barrister, to providing tech and study equipment for four new university students, the fund continues to break down financial barriers that too often hold back talent.

Two of our Rising Stars were supported to compete internationally in sport, representing Manchester and the UK on a global stage. 

Every grant awarded through the Sir Howard Bernstein Fund creates a ripple effect, a butterfly of positive change spreading confidence, pride, and opportunity across Manchester.

Looking Ahead: The Legacy Continues

As we look to the future, we’re proud to share that Sir Howard’s son, Jonathan Bernstein, has joined the We Love MCR Charity Board of Trustees, helping guide the next chapter of his father’s legacy.

Jonathan brings with him a deep connection to Manchester’s story and a passion for ensuring the charity continues to empower local people to flourish.

“On behalf of my family, we want to thank you all for your generosity to the Sir Howard Bernstein Memorial Fund. The We Love MCR Charity was personal to Dad, and the fund in his name even more so. It stands for values that were incredibly important to him and we’re delighted that the charity continues the generosity of his spirit to those who mattered to him most - Mancunians.”

Jonathan Bernstein, Sir Howard’s son joins the board as both trustee and member of the fundraising team, contributing to the awarding of grants and the continued development of the fund. Speaking about his new role, he said:

“As I’m new to the role, I’m still coming to terms with the remarkable work that goes on – being able to support a local young lady in following her dream to become an NFL star is pretty cool! I’m looking forward to seeing how the charity assists wider communities too. It’s a privilege to collaborate with such a passionate team.”

Sir Howard once said, “The people of Manchester have been the theme of my life. I owe them everything.”

His words continue to guide our work every day. Through the Sir Howard Bernstein Endowment Fund, we remain committed to investing in Manchester’s people, empowering young talent, building stronger communities, and keeping the city’s spirit of generosity alive.