(N.B. The Pad Vernon Charitable Trust was formally called the Monatrea Charitable Trust, of which Pad was a founding trustee. It is in the process of changing the name)

Why we are raising funds in Pad’s name

Pad believed deeply in the power of storytelling to change lives.

Through his work in documentary film, Pad spent many years making films about the lives of people whose voices are too often unheard — working in Nepal and Bangladesh, across east and west Africa, and in other parts of the world affected by conflict, inequality, exploitation and injustice. He was driven not by prestige, but by a quiet determination to shine a light where it mattered most.

Pad worked with film company Grain Media, contributing to powerful and internationally recognised documentaries, including:

Virunga – an Oscar nominated film exposing the threats facing Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the people risking their lives to protect it.

Aisha’s Song – a deeply moving and award-winning film exploring discrimination and resilience

Radio Amina – a film amplifying young women’s voices in northern Nigeria

The Forced Marriage Unit – a film confronting the realities of forced marriage and the systems designed to prevent it

Slaves to Football – a film revealing the exploitation of young football players trafficked in the pursuit of false promises

These films reflect Pad’s core values: compassion, fairness, courage, and an unshakeable belief that attention brings responsibility.

Pad did not see filmmaking as separate from philanthropy. He spoke often about wanting his work — and any success that followed — to translate into real, practical support for the people and communities who needed it most. He believed that bearing witness should lead to action.

This fundraising is part of that vision.

Funds raised will go towards the Pad Vernon Charitable Trust, established to honour Pad’s legacy by supporting causes aligned with the values that guided his life and work: social justice, human dignity, and meaningful, long-term impact rather than short-term fixes.

By donating, you are not only remembering Pad — you are helping to continue the work he cared so deeply about.

Thank you for being part of his legacy.