Mayors Charity Launch
This year, Matlock Mayor Cllr Paul Cruise has selected two charities for the annual Mayors charity appeal. Two great causes have been chosen – Matlock Young people’s well-being and inclusion and Derby Mountain Rescue Team. The official launch of the charity took place at Highfields School on Friday 15th July. Highfields students were delighted to welcome the Mayor and were very excited to meet the Derby Mountain Rescue Team. Year 7 students at Starkholmes site heard about how the team help members of the public who get into difficulty, they heard a demo of the siren and had a go on the special stretcher that is used to carry casualties off a mountain side. At Lumsdale Upper site, it was the turn of the Mayor to get on the stretcher, where sixth form students also met the rescue team.
Cllr Cruise said, “I want to work with the whole Matlock community to raise funds for two important causes close to my heart and of direct benefit to the local community. The ages 11-18 are such an important time and I want to raise funds that supports well-being and inclusion for our young people. Our young people are the future and we need to give them as much support and encouragement as possible.I am also linked to Derby Mountain rescue as a supporter – The Derby Mountain Rescue team do an amazing job with no direct funding. They cover the middle and south of Derbyshire including Matlock. As volunteers they give up their time to promote safety in the great outdoors and they are an essential element of the emergency services rescuing people in need who may be injured or lost.”
Chair of Derby Mountain Rescue thanked us for the enthusiasm of the children and their donations.
Liz Cruise, Chair of the Highfields PTFA said, “We are delighted to be a vehicle for directing funds to young people that really need support. We will be able to put money raised towards inclusion groups in school to benefit a wide range of students in a variety of ways. It is fantastic when we can help the staff purchase extra equipment or resources that enable lunchtime or after school activities to increase opportunities for our young people and enrich their experiences.”Through the year events and fundraising activities will be organised to support the Mayors charity. A crowd funding site is planned, and the proceeds will be shared equally between Matlock Young Peoples Well-being and Derby Mountain Rescue.The monies for the Matlock Young people will be channelled through Highfields Parent Teacher and Friends and the Friends of Hurst Farm. Ideas for projects include breakfast clubs, confidence building activities such as outward bound and other trips and activities that help build self-esteem and resilience.Derby Mountain Rescue will receive funding directly and it will contribute to equipment, training, operational costs and towards Derby Mountain Rescues new base.
