A memorial trust set up in tribute to a north-east teacher killed in a car crash is once again looking for worthy groups to support.
The Jo Walters Trust is offering £6,000 to groups in Aberdeenshire from today, which would have been the Alford woman’s 36th birthday.
Newly-qualified teacher Jo Walters, from Alford, was just 28 years old when she was knocked off her bike by a van in Brighton in 2010.
Relatives and friends set up the trust, which is now in its eighth year, with the aim of supporting causes which the keen fundraiser would have embraced.
Among the groups which have benefited from the charity’s generous donations have been Peterhead Sea Cadets, which purchased a trailer with £2,000, and Aberdeenshire Sailing Trust, which was able to pay for a new dinghy with £2,270.
Miss Walters’ sister and trust chairwoman Lucy Johnston said helping community groups was always a positive way to mark a bittersweet occasion.
She said: “Jo’s birthday is, of course, a difficult day every year for Jo’s family and friends, but launching our 2018 Aberdeenshire grants on what would be her 36th birthday is a cheerful way to mark it.
“Jo always recognised how much enjoyment, confidence and resilience that outdoor education can provide, and wanted to give others the chance to experience this, as she had.
“We hope very much that the money we are making available for outdoor education projects will help more people in Aberdeenshire to benefit from spending time in our stunning local environments.”
Last year the group received so many worthy applications that it handed out £9,200.
As well as the sea cadets and sailing trust, Banchory-Devenick Primary School was awarded £1,800 to spend on equipment for its forest school.
Aboyne Academy Climbing Club received £1,160 to spend on new equipment to make rock climbing and abseiling more accesssible to a range of physical abilities.
And 1st Fraserburgh Scout Group was given £1,970 which helped them buy camping gear for their new Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme.
To apply for a grant visit www.jowalterstrust.org.uk/aberdeenshire-grants
