Avnish & Anita Goyal: A Love Story Forged in Philanthropy
For Avnish Goyal CBE and Anita Goyal MBE, philanthropy isn’t just about giving—it’s a way of life. Their journey is one of passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Whether championing children with disabilities, tackling social injustices, or reshaping the landscape of personal development, this dynamic duo is proving that success is measured not just in wealth but in impact.
They are two of the most influential philanthropists in the UK today. While Avnish has built an outstanding career in social care as the founder of Hallmark Care Homes, Anita has dedicated herself to empowering women and young people through education, mentoring, and advocacy. Together, they lead multiple charitable initiatives that focus on providing opportunities for disadvantaged communities, breaking down barriers, and inspiring the next generation to embrace philanthropy.
Building a Legacy in Social Care
Hallmark Care Homes, founded by Avnish Goyal, has grown into one of the UK’s leading luxury care providers, with 22 homes, nearly 3,000 staff, and over 1,600 residents. Inspired by a desire for personal growth and meaningful impact, Avnish transitioned from property to the care sector, building award-winning homes that set new standards.
The responsibility of leading a care business pushed him to grow—not just as an entrepreneur but as a person. “Having team members to support and vulnerable residents to care for made me develop in ways I never expected,” he reflects.
Alongside Anita, he champions sector-wide improvements, driving collaboration and innovation to enhance care quality for older people. Their impact extends beyond their own business, as they work tirelessly to galvanize the care sector through initiatives like Championing Social Care.
Anita, too, has left her mark on the industry. As Chair of the Care Sector Fundraising Ball, she has helped raise £1.2 million over four years for charities in the care sector, ensuring continued support for vulnerable communities.
The Birth of the Goyal Foundation
Fifteen years ago, Avnish and Anita founded the Goyal Foundation, inspired by their own experiences and a desire to give back.
“We came into the UK with nothing and had this passion to give back,” Avnish explains. “We’ve done well in business, but we also saw suffering and challenges, both here and abroad. That’s why the Goyal Foundation was set up.”
The foundation primarily focuses on supporting disadvantaged women and children both in the UK and internationally. But for the Goyals, philanthropy isn’t just about financial donations—it’s about engagement, effort, and personal connection.
“We don’t just say it’s about giving money,” says Avnish. “It’s also your time, your expertise, your best wishes. We visit our projects, see the work we’re doing, and get involved. That’s where the real satisfaction and fulfilment come from.”
A Million-Pound Pledge for Change
Their commitment to strategic philanthropy led them to Caudwell Children, a UK charity supporting children with disabilities. After visiting the charity’s Stoke-on-Trent centre, which helps children with autism, they knew they had to be involved in a bigger way.
“Seeing first-hand the incredible work being done, we knew we had to step up,” Anita recalls. The Goyals soon became Life Changes Circle members, committing £1 million to support children in need. Three years later, their contribution continues to transform lives, reinforcing their belief that real wealth lies in the ability to uplift others.
Their work has not gone unnoticed. Avnish was awarded a CBE for services to social care and philanthropy, while Anita received an MBE for championing diversity and female empowerment.
“Receiving the honour at Buckingham Palace was surreal,” Avnish admits. “But more than anything, it reminded us of our responsibility to keep pushing for change.”
Going to Great Heights—Literally
For Avnish, pushing boundaries isn’t just a metaphor—it’s a way of life. Whether in business, philanthropy, or personal challenges, he believes growth comes from stepping beyond what feels safe.
That mindset led him to take on a once-in-a-lifetime challenge—abseiling down the Empire State Building in support of the Outward Bound Trust. Descending 103 stories (nearly 1,500 feet), Avnish embraced the moment with exhilaration.
“I just let my mind go. I trusted that I wasn’t going to die and the ropes weren’t going to break,” he recalls. “And I absolutely loved the experience. I’d do it again in a heartbeat—next on my bucket list is the Burj Khalifa!”
Beyond the thrill, the event was a major fundraising success, raising £65,000 for charity.
Overcoming Challenges & The Power of Visibility
In South Asian cultures, philanthropy is often done privately, but the Goyals believe visibility is crucial to inspiring others.
“If we talk about giving, we normalise it,” Avnish says. “We show others that they, too, can be part of something bigger.”
They also understand the scepticism some people feel about donating to large charities.
“That’s why we advocate for transparency,” Anita explains. “Knowing exactly where your money goes and seeing its impact makes all the difference.”
As they’ve evolved as philanthropists, they’ve shifted toward strategic giving—focusing on causes where they can bring both financial support and expertise.
“We used to give to many different organisations, but we realised we could make a bigger impact by concentrating on fewer causes where we could truly make a difference,” Avnish explains.
The Power of Mindset and Inspiring the Next Generation through InnerSpark
A core philosophy that drives the Goyals is the belief in surrounding themselves with positive people and fostering a mindset of continuous learning.
Through InnerSpark, their organisation dedicated to personal development, they equip young people with the tools to thrive—mentally, emotionally, and socially. InnerSpark delivers workshops in schools, focusing on resilience, self-awareness, purpose, accountability, and kindness.
“We want to help young people navigate life’s challenges with confidence,” Anita explains. “By building resilience and self-awareness early on, they can shape their futures with purpose and clarity.”
With a team of expert facilitators, InnerSpark has already reached 150,000 children across 140 schools.
Their upcoming event, The Big Spark, is set to be a game-changer.
Taking place on 19th November 2025 at the Natural History Museum, the event aims to raise £300,000 to help them reach their ambitious goal—impacting one million young people by 2030.
Philanthropy is for Everyone
The Goyals passionately believe that giving back isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for everyone.
“Philanthropy isn’t just about money,” Anita says. “It’s about time, skills, connections—there are so many ways to make an impact.”
It’s a value they have instilled in their own children, encouraging them to think beyond themselves. Their daughter, for example, once requested charity donations instead of birthday presents—a small but powerful act of kindness.
A Lasting Impact
The Goyals’ journey is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just measured by wealth but by the impact one makes.
Their unwavering commitment to philanthropy is shaping futures, transforming lives, and proving that true influence comes from giving back.
Watch the full interview here:
Story with @avnishgoyal_cbe and @anitagoyalmbe
Creative Direction, Styling and Interview by @anishavasanicreates
Hair and Makeup by @saima_akram_academy
Photography by @omjphotography
Shoot Assistant @sareenav21
Outfits by @bibiman__ and @bibildn
Jewellery by @heritage_jewels
