Keith Killby in June 2012

The Monte San Martino Trust has celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.

Founded by Keith Killby in 1989, the Trust has provided hundreds of young Italians with English language study bursaries in England.

The educational bursaries are in recognition of the bravery and generosity of Italian families who assisted escaped Allied prisoners of war during the Second World War.

The Trust also keeps the escape stories alive through annual Freedom Trail Walks, a newsletter, and an online archive of stories. Most importantly, the organization serves as a rich British-Italian cultural bond.

At their annual Fontanellato Luncheon last month, the Trust celebrated its three-decade history with the release of a Monte San Martino Trust Thirtieth Anniversary Video, which is now accessible on YouTube.

The inspiring film features brief interviews with former POWs, Italians who provided them with protection, and students who have benefitted from the Trust’s educational bursaries.

The film was created by director Zak Jarvis, a Trust supporter and the great-grandson of Ernest Day, who was a prisoner of war Gavi.

Trust founder Keith Killby remained active in the Trust until his death last year at the age of 102.

For more information, visit the Monte San Martino Trust website.