Funds flood in for Ennerdale and Black Sail

01/02/2007 10:09:00

YHA’s latest appeal, to raise funds to revamp two sites in the Lake District, is climbing towards the heights of success with donations flooding in from generous supporters.

World renowned mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington is leading the ‘expedition’ to raise much needed funds for refurbishment work at YHA Ennerdale and YHA Black Sail.

Sir Chris, who lives in the Lake District and is a YHA Vice President as well as a keen admirer of the Black Sail property, which is the most remote hostel in England and sits two-and-a-half miles from the nearest road.

“Of all the Youth Hostels I have seen, and there are many in fantastic situations, I think Black Sail is the pearl in the YHA crown without a shadow of doubt,” he said.

“What makes it so special is the isolation, the feeling that you are in the very heart of the fells, and the views are fantastic.”

The high profile appeal has been championed by the national and regional media following a visit by Sir Chris to the two properties in December. 

BBC Radio 4’s Today programme featured an interview with Sir Chris and the appeal has been covered in the Guardian, the Independent, Carlisle News & Star, Country Walking magazine, The Great Outdoors magazine and Third Sector.

BBC’s Countryfile was also filming at the event and the programme will air on Sunday 11 February.

Nearly £150,000 of the £250,000 required funding has been secured through various grants, and it is hoped that the appeal will go a large way towards bridging the shortfall of £100,000.

Anyone interested in helping Sir Chris scale the fundraising heights should email helenjohnson@yha.org.uk or call 01629 592602 or call the Freephone donation hotline on 0800 652 4885.