The George Meredith Trust was formed in December 2000 following the tragic death of 12 year old George in a mountain accident in the Pyrenees in 1999. The strong support received from the local community at the time of the accident provided the impetus to set up a trust in his memory, to develop something positive and worthwhile.

George derived tremendous enjoyment and fulfilment from a variety of outdoor pursuits including such activities as mountain walking/camping, cycling/mountain biking and water skiing. He was a bold adventurer with great courage and determination and a joy to accompany on expeditions.

George’s compassionate nature, zest for living life to the full and love of the natural world, are driving forces behind the Trust’s objective of enabling people with disabilities to participate in outdoor pursuits.

The Trust aims to assist organisations that provide outdoor challenge and adventure opportunities for people with disabilities, encouraging the celebration of their abilities. It is particularly interested in supporting those organisations that encourage teamwork and learning experiences. Initially the support provided will be largely financial.

The Trust may also provide assistance to individuals (or groups) with disabilities to enable independent participation in outdoor pursuits. This assistance may be in the form of the provision of information enabling individuals (or groups) to obtain placements on courses/activities etc., or in the form of financial support for such activities.

In recent months the Trust has provided financial support:

• to fund the cost of qualified supervision of outdoor activities at a special needs adventure playground in Cannock.

• To fund the cost of two days rock climbing for a group of young people with disabilities.

• to fund the cost of an activity week end for ten young people with disabilities.

• to purchase a hand cycle to enable a student with disabilities to take part in the field work part of his studies.

The Trust considers that disability should not exclude anyone from the opportunity to experience enjoyment, exhilaration and fulfilment, which should be present in the lives of all individuals.