Remembering Jim

Jim Leaviss, 1971-2026

We are sorry to share the very sad news that Jim Leaviss, a key long-time supporter of the charity, passed away on 23rd July 2026. 

Jim's connection with WLAC stretched back to 2003, when his wife of 29 years, Isobel, ran the London Marathon for the charity. Since then, he became one of the most valued supporters our charity has known, generous with his time, knowledge and encouragement, and always ready to mentor and inspire others. Recent examples of his hands-on support include calling the raffle at our annual Curry & Ceilidh fundraiser and speaking at our Lightning Talks No. 5 event at Kite Studios in March 2024, where he entertained the audience with his talk "Five Bricks" and how he came to acquire them.  

He also became among our most steadfast benefactors, and his wise counsel shaped decisions that have had a lasting impact on the children and families we serve.  

Jim was a prominent and highly successful figure in the City, with a brilliant understanding of the bond markets. He joined M&G in 1997, where he was a key force behind their Bond Vigilantes blog and a long-standing expert source to the Financial Times. A former colleague described him as "a formidable leader, exceptionally bright, endlessly creative and gifted with a rare ability to make bond markets both engaging and enjoyable." After 27 years, he retired to pursue a master’s degree in the History of Art at the Courtauld Institute. 

Jim embraced life to the full: he was a keen cyclist, a big fan of The Smiths and KLF, and an ardent supporter of Nottingham Forest Football Club. 

We are so grateful that someone so busy and widely respected was committed to supporting a local, independent charity. We are enormously thankful for everything Jim gave to WLAC — not only his practical support, but the example he set of quiet, generous and unwavering commitment to a cause he believed in. 

Everyone at West London Action for Children sends their heartfelt condolences to Isobel, their sons Stanley and Frank, and to Jim's wider family and friends. He will be hugely missed by us all.