**Rio Ferdinand: ‘My Mum’s Passion for Guidance is Her Lasting Legacy’** The former England and Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, reflects on the profound impact his mother had on his life and the community. Growing up on the Friary Estate in Peckham, south London, Janice St Fort was known for her unwavering support of others. “If one of the mums on the estate was in trouble, she would come down and say: ‘What’s going on?’” Ferdinand recalls. “She was a doer – someone that people could lean on.” Ferdinand takes pride in the accomplishments of the foundation he established in 2012, which was inspired by his mother’s dedication to helping others. Since her passing seven years ago, the Rio Ferdinand Foundation has expanded its reach and influence, working with disadvantaged communities to create opportunities and pathways to employment across various sectors. The foundation is estimated to have supported over 10,000 young people in the UK, Ireland, and beyond, making a significant difference in their lives.