From Personal Loss to a Lasting Legacy
Stephen Brown of Stephen J Brown Consultancy started Computer for Schools during one of the most difficult periods of his life, but it has gone on to become an incredible example of what can be achieved when the property industry comes together.
Stephen’s late wife, Sam, was terminally ill with cancer and had just been told that all treatment was stopping, with only six weeks to live.
While caring for Sam, Stephen heard a BBC Radio 5 Live report about digital poverty in schools during Covid. He immediately felt that something needed to be done.
He contacted his Mastermind group, encouraging them to support their local schools. The following week, while recording his Estate Agents podcast with Luke St Clair, Andy Overman and special guest Jerry Lyons, Stephen raised the idea of launching a campaign involving property agents and suppliers.
From an Idea to a Campaign Changing Young Lives
With Jerry’s help, a GoFundMe page was created. A £10,000 target was suggested, but Stephen challenged the industry to aim for £50,000.
The response was incredible. Six weeks later, on the day Sam passed away, the campaign had reached £48,000. Thanks to the generosity of Simon Whale and Spencer Lawrence, the £50,000 target was reached that very same day.
More than five years later, Computer for Schools has raised an incredible £164,900, with 1,583 laptops and tablets distributed to schools across the UK.
Stephen has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the property industry and the messages from schools sharing how much of a difference the technology has made.
Stephen is now bringing the story together in a special book, with the aim of raising further funds to provide even more laptops and tablets to schools.
Agents Giving is proud to support Stephen and Computer for Schools through the Agents Giving Grant Fund, supported by The Guild of Property Professionals, helping this inspiring campaign continue its important work.
