Tribute as YMCA opens new homes in Great Yarmouth  

Eight young people, who otherwise would be homeless, have moved into two new houses in Great Yarmouth, one named after a much-loved YMCA Norfolk staff member who died last year

YMCA key worker Les Gostling died in November after working for the Christian charity for almost 20 years
 
When the two new move-on houses were purchased in Great Yarmouth, YMCA residents asked if one could be named after Les
 
YMCA Norfolk CEO, Tim Sweeting, said: “Les was a much loved and valued member of the YMCA family for nearly 20 years.  Over his 50 years of service to young people and the local community he had a significant and often life-changing impact upon hundreds of young people and is greatly missed
 
“It is our pleasure to be able to name one of the two new homes after Les”
 
The two adjacent houses each have four bedrooms and will provide accommodation, with a light touch of support, for young people nearly ready to live independently
 
The second house is called Crane House after the name of the first property the YMCA ever owned in Great Yarmouth back in 1878
 
Les’s family, including son John who recently raised over £1,500 for YMCA Norfolk by running the London Marathon, visited Gostling House earlier in May (pictured above)
 
John said: “Dad worked for YMCA Norfolk and helped 100s of young people over the years. He would be immensely proud that his name is being associated with this latest accommodation provision”

Pictured above is the Gostling family visiting YMCA Norfolk's new Gostling House in Great Yarmouth

reproduced from Network Norwich and Norfolk and used with permission