Who is Loretta Doyle?

Loretta is an 8th Dan former World, European and Commonwealth Games Gold Medal Judo Champion with a competitive career spanning 16 years from 1977, retiring from competing in 1992 when she became Coach & Manager of the Female Cadet and Junior GB National Team until 2005. She served the maximum 8 year term as a Director of the British Judo Association from 2013 to 2021. 

She launched the Loretta Doyle Judo Foundation in December 2019 to enrich the lives of disadvantaged individuals, groups and communities by introducing them to the world and family of judo by providing free Judo lessons for those who may otherwise be excluded.

Why has she set up this charity?

"... I've had a good life through Judo.  I now want to give to others what Judo has given to me... to share the benefits that Judo can provide for those who are disadvantaged in life for whatever reason: age, poverty, illness, physical or mental challenges.

Additionally, I don't judge people by their poor circumstances or lifestyle.  Judo is a superb alternative for issues such as substance abuse, gambling or being drawn into criminality... and a new approach and re-start is required.

I want to raise money to pay to introduce people to Judo so that their lives can be enriched by participation in our sport free of charge... in the same way as my life was enhanced from my earliest formulative years..."