A man in a blue shirt sitting in a living room with a window and various items in the background.

Peter Appleyard

Director of Community Impact

Peter Appleyard brings a lifetime of service, strength, and steady guidance to X-4RCE. A retired Met Police officer with deep roots in Luton, Peter is a respected figure across the town, known for his work with Raynham Way Community Centre, his involvement in the local Neighbourhood Watch, and his unwavering support for his beloved Luton Town FC (home or away, win or lose).

When X-4RCE was just an idea, Peter was one of the first people Wade turned to. Asked if he’d help get the face-to-face sessions off the ground, Peter replied, “I’ll be at every one.” And he’s kept that promise. Whether it’s setting up chairs for a peer support group, helping tear down after a Bootcamp, or offering quiet, solid advice to younger members, Peter is always there.

Peter’s experience in community safety and structure makes him an ideal fit for his role, but it’s his presence, calm, caring, dependable, that makes him the heart and soul of the X-4RCE family. He’s not in it for recognition. He’s in it because he believes in the mission, and because when Peter commits, he shows up.

(Just don’t try to plan a session when he’s on holiday — he’ll still try to get back in time.)

Thank you to our funders

National lottery community fund

Without generous funding from the National Lottery, X-4RCE wouldn’t be where it is today. This funding enabled us to secure a premises, and helped to successfully launch our face to face groups. Thank you to the National Lottery players
Luton citizens fund

X-4RCE Bootcamp began in early 2025, with the help of the Luton citizens fund. This funding has supported the creation of a free weekly fitness session for men in the community. At Bootcamp we recognise the connection between physical and mental health. Thank you to all the residents that voted for us.
arnold clark community fund

Thank you to the Arnold Clark Community Fund, whose grant has enabled us to cover some of our core costs. Your support means so much to the men in our service.
Small grants fund

One of the aims of X-4RCE is to get men out in their community supporting one another, their friends, and their families. The Small Grants Fund has ensured that for the next year we can put on workshops, host guest speakers, and provide training to our services users. Thank you Luton Rising for making this possible.