Dora Beeforth Fund

The Dora Beeforth Fund was established in memory of Dora Beeforth, wife of the Foundation's Chief Executive, who was born in Cumbria and enjoyed the outdoors as a volunteer warden with the Lake District National Park and volunteer with Cumbria Youth Theatre. She was also a keen runner and orienteer. The Fund was created in her memory to enable children and young people to experience activities and opportunities which they otherwise would not be able to afford. The Fund received a £10,000 boost in 2012 as a result of the tragic death of Michael 'Mic' Machell, who died at the age of 23 in a climbing accident in the USA. Mic was an active member of the Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team for three years, being involved in 170 rescues. The Mountain Rescue team decided they wanted the money to be used to support young people developing a career or gaining experience in the outdoors, something which is possible through the Dora Beeforth Memorial Fund. Dora and Mic shared a love of the hills and although they never met, they had the same personal motto 'Carpe Diem'. The fund supports young people to participate in outdoor activities, educational trips, and cultural experiences that would otherwise be financially out of reach. A case example includes a 19-year-old student with autism and special educational needs who received funding for a two-week trip to Kenya, where he participated in community building projects and a safari, gaining valuable cross-cultural experience.