Local dignitaries are rallying behind the Lake District Calvert Trust’s Emergency Bounce Back Appeal.

The Trust has furloughed the vast majority of its staff and closed its doors for the foreseeable future after being driven to the brink of permanent closure by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Commenting on the Trust’s Emergency Appeal, Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and The Border from 2010 - 2019 and former Conservative leadership challenger, said:

“Calvert Lakes is a truly special place.

“Having delivered life changing experiences for thousands of disabled children and adults over the years, Covid-19 restrictions have wiped out visitor numbers and income. I hope

everyone will support Calvert so the charity can be here for many years to come.”

Echoing Rory Stewart’s sentiments, Julie Barton, High Sheriff of Cumbria said:

“I have huge admiration for the vital work of the Calvert Trust and great sympathy for the challenges the pandemic has created. It has certainly been a very difficult year for so many charitable organisations across Cumbria.

“It would be a tragedy if the Calvert Trust closed its doors after 45 years of welcoming people with disabilities and making outdoor activities accessible to them. The local community would be badly affected and it would negatively impact on so many lives.”

Support for the Lake District Calvert Trust has also come from the House of Lords. Lord (Richard) Inglewood, Chairman of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, said:

“The Lake District Calvert Trust is a brilliant, inspiring charity. If it is forced to close its doors, regular visitors to the centre, many of whom have profound disabilities, will be denied the chance to share in life’s opportunities.”

The Lake District Calvert Trust has been supporting people with disabilities from its specialist Calvert Lakes residential centre and accessible riding centre near Keswick in the Lake District for almost forty-five years. Participants enjoy the benefits of its unique programmes and facilities in a safe and accessible, yet challenging environment.

Having delivered life changing programmes for thousands of disabled children and adults over the years, the Trust is now fighting for its future, having been hit by a perfect storm of Covid-19 related restrictions.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has left a huge, one-million-pound gap in our income,” explained Giles Mounsey-Heysham, Chairman of the Trustees. “To survive the winter and bounce back in the Spring, we have to act now to seek external support.”