Mark Phillips Memorial Fund

Mark Phillips was one of the most important supporters of the Atlas Foundation from its foundation. An international expert in hotels and resorts he had travelled the world and seen child poverty first hand. This memorial fund has been established to further his work picking up on his commitment to international development, rugby, and his generosity to those who ever needed his help.

A message from his family

Rugby was always close to Mark's heart. From a young age he was involved in playing rugby in the senior teams at Malvern College. Unfortunately a knee injury meant that his playing career came to an abrupt end but his love for the game never stopped. 

Mark was a season ticket holder at Harlequins for many years where he formed a strong friendship with Atlas Founder, Jason Leonard.

He would make the trip from Brighton with his wife Isabella, son James and daughter Alicia, up to watch Harlequins and England including seeing Quins win the Premiership in 2012, the European Amlin cup in 2011 and best of all watching the England World Cup win in 2003. A proud moment for Mark was watching his son at the age of 8 run out onto the pitch in a European cup match vs Castres as the team mascot for Quins.

Mark became qualified as a level two rugby coach and coached at grassroots level at Hove RFU where his son was a player. Mark’s passion was, of course, the scrum and his position as forwards coach for his son’s team. With the help of his coaching, the team went on to win numerous tournaments as well as becoming Sussex Champions in 2007. Mark was a passionate follower of both Harlequins, England as well as the British Lions but whatever rugby would be on, he was always watching and living rugby.

Through his friendship with Jason, Mark was introduction to the Atlas Foundation and became an important Ambassador early in its life. He was instrumental in establishing Atlas’s London base and introducing people from around the world to the Foundation's work with some of the poorest children on earth.

Mark’s last game was with his family when they took a trip up to Twickenham to watch England v Wales. A memory the family will treasure forever.