Big Hearts Community Trust would like to share our deepest thanks to Ann Budge, following the announcement of her stepping down as Chair of the Club later this year.
Big Hearts would not be the charity it is today without Ann’s leadership and commitment. Her role was instrumental to re-establishing Big Hearts, as the Club’s Charity in 2015, with a new staff team and a new mission: using the power of football and Heart of Midlothian FC to support those in need across our community.
Starting with our first flagship programme for children in Kinship Care whilst progressively building up our response, Ann’s guidance shaped Big Hearts’ sustainability and growth, and we are deeply grateful.
As Trustee of the Big Hearts’ Board until 2021, Ann’s has continued to volunteer her time, encouraging us to be ambitious and keep people at the heart of what we do.
Commenting on the launch of our Big Hearts Supporters’ movement in 2016, Ann said: “Since Big Hearts’ refocus in 2015, we have seen the charity make a real difference to families in our community and we are very keen to see this expanding. It is absolutely right that Big Hearts should provide a further opportunity for our supporters to engage in ways that suit them and help them to feel even more part of our great club and our wider community.”
Today Big Hearts is one of the leading football charities in Scotland, with backing from the key agencies across Scotland and thousands of Heart’s supporters.
As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary since re-launch this year, we are proud to reflect on Ann Budge’s outstanding contribution. With warm wishes for your next chapter, thank you Ann!
– June 2025
