A group of kind-hearted north Cumbrian Brownies have raised thousands of pounds to help vulnerable older people stay warm in winter.
Since 2013, 1st Wetheral Brownies, near Carlisle, have supported Cumbria Community Foundation’s annual Winter Warmth Appeal, which gives out vital grants to older people to keep them warm and well through the colder months.
The Brownies have held a sponsored sleepout every winter at chilly spots across Cumbria, including Naworth Castle, Netherby Hall, Wetheral Priory Gatehouse and even in tents, on the shores of Windermere.
So far they have raised more than £12,000 and this week they will be digging out their thermals and doing it all again.
Twenty Brownies and Young Leaders from 1st Wetheral will be joined by 10 Brownies and Guides from Hayton to spend the night in a tipi near Brampton.
This year’s theme is a Native American Adventure, and the girls have been making dream catchers and totem poles in preparation.
Tawny Owl Janice Brown said: “We have been learning about Native American culture, in preparation for our sponsored sleepout this week.
“The girls have made dream catchers and lanterns, and we’ve been practising our campfire songs and tracking skills, which we will try out in the woods.
“Sleeping out in the cold gives the Brownies a real understanding of what life must be like for older people who can’t afford to heat their homes in winter.
“So while we always have a lot of fun, the girls know the serious reason for the campaign and do their best to raise as much in sponsorship as possible.
“They love that the money helps older people in need right here in Cumbria.”
Andy Beeforth, chief executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, will be visiting the Brownies at their camp to thank them for their fundraising efforts.
He said: “We have been running the Winter Warmth Appeal since 2010 and have raised more than £3m since then. I can honestly say there have been no more dedicated fundraisers in that time than our Brownie friends from Wetheral, and their wonderful volunteer leaders and helpers.
“Unfortunately, the need for the appeal is as great as ever.
“Donations and fundraising by kind-hearted Cumbrians such as the Brownies mean older people won’t have to make the impossible choice of whether to heat their homes or put food on the table.”
The Winter Warmth Appeal is open for donations until March.
How to donate
- Donate online: https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2025
- Donate by phone: Call 01900 825760 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
- Donate by post: Make cheques payable to Cumbria Community Foundation, writing ‘Winter Warmth Fund’ on the back, and send to: Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, CA13 0PN.
