STALWART Ann’s lasting legacy

Ann (front right) launches KRAN’s oral history project in 2025.

Tributes have been paid to Ann Whitborne, former Chair of Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN). 

Described as “one of life’s true philanthropists,” she was involved in the charity’s establishment following her retirement in 2000 from a long career as a maths teacher, Head of Maths and then Deputy Head at Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar, Canterbury. During her time as a teacher, Ann travelled to many of the countries that KRAN’s young people come from. 

She was Secretary when KRAN was registered as a charity in April 2003 and subsequently became Treasurer and Chair. She fundraised, and managed and restructured staff, as well as undertaking a review of the Board of Trustees. 

KRAN CEO Dr Razia Shariff says: “Ann steered us through all the challenges faced at the time and was dedicated and committed. She was a true believer in the potential of the young people we work with. 

“She was also a very positive, kind and practical person who would go above and beyond in her voluntary work. She was a role model to us all.”

KRAN Chair Rupert Brown says: “All of us at KRAN have been deeply saddened by the death of Ann. She helped to set up KRAN more than 20 years ago when it was little more than a small group of dedicated volunteers. 

“Almost single-handedly, she worked tirelessly to build it up to the thriving organisation it is today, employing 30 staff and supporting hundreds of young asylum seekers. She was an inspiration to me when I first joined KRAN as a trustee; she remains so today as we navigate the challenges ahead of us.”

Former Chair Jos Kerkvliet says: “Ann held the organisation together in difficult times, always believing in the future of our young people. She was a force to be reckoned with and a woman with her heart in the right place.”

Ann retired as Chair in July 2021, but made a guest appearance at the visit to KRAN’s Canterbury office by the Duchess of Edinburgh in 2023. She also officially opened KRAN’s oral history project Family Matters at its launch at the University of Kent in 2025.

In recognition of her work, KRAN’s Destitution Fund has been renamed the Ann Whitborne Fund. 

Ann passed away peacefully at her Dover home on Tuesday 28 July, aged 86. Her funeral will be held on Thursday 27 August.