The Shepley Group have donated £1,000 to Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Fund, an initiative to help assist the elderly with their heating costs over winter. One of the biggest problems facing many older adults, especially those living on their own, is not staying warm enough in their homes. When temperatures fall below 8°C, older people can be vulnerable and susceptible to an increased risk of becoming ill and developing pneumonia and in extreme, serious cases of low temperatures – hypothermia. As many as 300 older people in Cumbria die every year due to the cold weather, and with the current cost of living crisis and increased fuel costs, there is a very possible chance that this will increase this year. To many, the Winter Warmth Fund is a lifeline. The appeal provides important, potentially lifesaving support every year, and the Shepley Group are pleased to have supported this appeal once again. So far this year the appeal has raised more than £135,000 thanks to donations which were matched by WCF Ltd, the John Laing Charitable Trust, Roselands Trust, The Johnson Fund, Brian and Ann Clark Fund, the Harvey Family Fund and a private donor. The Community Foundation works with partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service (CAAS), who distribute the grants as well as provide advice and guidance to people in fuel poverty. David Henderson, Nuclear Business Manager at Shepley Engineers said: “The Winter Warmth Appeal provides important and potentially lifesaving support every year, and is arguably even more important this year due to increased fuel costs and the general cost of living crisis we are all experiencing. This will drag more people, especially the elderly, into having to decide whether to “heat or eat” over the next few months, which can prove to be deadly should we have a cold winter. Anything that can be done to support the vulnerable in our local communities should be applauded and we are happy to once again support this vital appeal. “Please let your friends and family know that help is available through the Cumbria Community Foundation, and ask them to pass the message on to anyone who they think might need a little extra support this winter.” Anything that can be done to support the vulnerable in our local communities should be applauded and we are happy to once again support this vital appeal, which has been matched by generous contributors. For more information, or to donate to this appeal, please visit https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund/give-to-the-winter-warmth-fund/