Our Founder, Group Captain Geoffrey Leonard Cheshire, was an aviator, author, spokesperson, and humanitarian.
He loved India and was instrumental in inspiring a group of philanthropists and volunteers to set up the formerly known ‘Bangalore Cheshire Home’ in 1961.
Born in 1917, Group Captain Leonard Cheshire originally trained as a lawyer but opted to serve the British Royal Air Force at the outbreak of the Second World War.
His extraordinary service of courage, bravery, leadership, and innovation marked him out for several awards, including the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious gallantry award.
He left the RAF in 1946 to engage in charity work. His mission to tend to the sick, the disabled, and the terminally ill began when he took into his own home a man who was terminally ill with cancer. In 1948, he initiated the charity known as Leonard Cheshire Disability.
In 1961, Group Captain Cheshire played a key role in starting the Bangalore Cheshire Home. Between 1961 and 1984, he visited the Home six times. Cheshire Homes has kept the tradition of senior defense officers continuing to serve in active capacities and support this charitable program.
In 1991, he was given the life peerage as Baron Cheshire. He passed away in 1992, at the age of 74.
Our Founding Members
- Ms. A. Jolleffn
- Ms. Evelyn Vaz
- Ms. Indira V. Shenoy
- Mr. V.S. Ratnam
- Ms. T. Dawson
- Dr. A.D. Soares
- Ms. Mary Vas
- Dr. Lazaroe
- Mr. Narayana Reddy
- Mr. Mathulla
- Mr. C.R.V. Subba
- Mr. B.V. Baliga
- Mr. S.K. Kaugilal
- Ms. Tarapore
- Mr. D. Pai
- Ms. Padma Srinivasa
- Capt. George Mathais
- Ms. G.Z. Kothavala
- Mr. Mohammed Rahamathulla
- Ms. Rahamathulla
- Mr. Mohammed Shariff
- Ms. G. Muirh