The Shepley Group have once again donated £1,000 to Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Fund, an initiative to help assist the elderly with their heating costs over winter.

Temperatures this winter could once again be exceptionally cold, and when temperatures fall below 8°C older people can be susceptible to an increased risk of becoming ill. The cold increases the risks of them developing pneumonia, and in extreme, serious cases – hypothermia. As many as 300 older people in Cumbria die every year due to the cold weather.

With the cost of living crisis, there is a chance that this will increase this year. Many older Cumbrians are forced to choose between heating and eating during winter, made harder this year due to spiralling fuel costs and food inflation. To many Cumbrians, the Winter Warmth Fund is a lifeline. The appeal provides important – potentially lifesaving – support every year, and the Shepley Group are pleased to have supported this appeal once again.

Last year the appeal raised £661,908, allowing Cumbria Community Foundation to facilitate 2,413 grants, benefiting 3,223 people. More than in any year since the appeal started in 2010.

So far this year the appeal has raised more than £313,000 of its £500,000 target – thanks to generous donations from supporters and match-funding.

The Community Foundation works with partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service (CAAS), who distribute the grants as well as provide advice and guidance to people in fuel poverty – some advice can be found online here.

David Henderson, Nuclear Business Manager at Shepley Engineers said: “Many elderly people in our communities may struggle with finding the money to heat or eat this year, exacerbated by the cost of living crisis which affects us all, but hits the most vulnerable hardest. We are pleased to be able to support the Cumbria Community Foundation Winter Warmth appeal again, which really can save lives, and we encourage everyone to support it as best they can. Having the match funding available until the 11th Dec means that every donations is doubled, so now is the best time to donate and help someone heat their homes this winter.”

For more information, or to donate to this appeal, please visit https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund/