Bendrigg has been voted as this year’s recipient of the Merrell Fund grant, with the announcement taking place last week at the Kendal Mountain Festival in Cumbria, UK.
The Merrell Fund is an initiative supporting non-profit organisations across Europe that increase access to the outdoors and protect natural spaces.
Earlier this year, the fund invited charities to apply for grant funding. Four organisations were shortlisted: Mind Over Mountains, The Outside Club, Fix the Fells and Bendrigg.
Following a ‘Merrell Fund Live’ showcase, where each charity shared the impact of its work, Bendrigg was crowned the overall winner via an audience vote.
Bendrigg delivers accessible, all-inclusive activity breaks for disabled children and adults and people with additional support needs. Its mission centres on making adventure accessible, enabling participants to experience a range of outdoor activities in a fully adapted environment.
Jonny Quint, Senior Product and Marketing Director EMEA at Merrell, said “Bendrigg’s work embodies everything the Merrell Fund stands for – breaking down barriers, building confidence, and opening the outdoors to those who are too often excluded from it.
“Seeing the audience respond so passionately to their mission was incredibly inspiring, and we’re proud to play a part in supporting their next chapter.”
Lizzie Feltoe, Fundraising Manager at Bendrigg, said “Bendrigg was really pleased to be shortlisted in such a strong group of finalists, and we were proud to have the chance to present alongside them.
“Thanks so much to Merrell Fund and the audience at Kendal Mountain Festival for supporting us with their votes. We will use our grant award to help more disabled children access adventures in the outdoors, especially where finances are the last hurdle to them taking part.”
The event was hosted by Daniel Macaulay, founder of Brandwave. It featured a panel discussion with voices from Merrell and the Youth Hostel Association (YHA).
Ellie Butler-Church, Marketing Manager (England & Wales) at YHA, said “The organisations showcased are making a real, measurable difference in their communities, and Bendrigg’s commitment to accessible adventure is truly life-changing. Their work aligns so closely with our values at YHA, and it’s fantastic to see them recognised by the public in such a meaningful way.”
In addition to Bendrigg receiving the grand prize, the three runners-up were each awarded an initial grant from the Merrell Fund.
www.bendrigg.org.uk
www.merrell.com
