PGCT was originally created by Sir Philip Payne-Gallwey in 1987 and subsequently amended following a discussion with the Charity Commission in 1989 and the 1989 Deed contains our object.

Sir Philip was born in 1935 and died in February 2008. Sir Philip never married and on his death he left the great bulk of his Estate to PGCT. Furthermore on the death of Sir Philip's mother in 1996 Sir Philip made a significant donation to PGCT from his mother's Estate. It is as a result of Sir Philip's generosity that the present day Trustees of PGCT are in a position to distribute approx. £225,000 per annum.

Sir Philip was educated at West Downs Preparatory School Winchester between 1943 and 1948 and during the Second World War years that school was moved to Blair Castle in Perthshire, the home of the Dukes of Atholl. Between 1948 and 1953 Sir Philip went to Eton College. On leaving Eton Sir Philip went to Sandhurst and in 1955 was commissioned into the 11th Hussars joining his regiment whilst they were serving in Malaya. After Malaya the regiment was stationed in Catterick and Northern Ireland . Sir Philip left the army in 1961.

On leaving the army Sir Philip spent 4 years as assistant trainer to Arthur Budgett near Lambourn. In 1965 Sir Philip joined the British Bloodstock Agency and spent the rest of his professional career in the bloodstock (horse racing) world. Sir Philip rose to being a Director of both the BBA and National Stud. For many years he was racing manager to the Niarchos family. More details of Sir Philip's career can be found by reading the edited extracts from the address given at his funeral.

During his childhood years Sir Philip's parents were resident in Somerset but they subsequently moved to Boxford village near Newbury. Sir Philip's father died in 1958 and in the mid 1960s Sir Philip moved back into the family home in Boxford. Sir Philip (and his mother) played an active role in Boxford life and Sir Philip was a Churchwarden of Boxford Church.

During his lifetime Sir Philip took great solace in, and enjoyment from, the life of rural England and country sports, horse racing, military life, the exploits of friends and relations helping those less fortunate than themselves and the Church of England. Sir Philip summarised this "as a traditional and rural way of life". It was his wish that PGCT donations should reflect this way of life and his interests. In addition during his lifetime Sir Philip often contributed to medical research charities and PGCT will continue to do so.