Last updated at 16:30, Tuesday, 05 February 2013

THE director of a Cumbrian charity plans to spend a night sleeping at the top of a Lake District fell.

Cumbria Community Foundation boss Andy Beeforth will be accompanied by a number of people, including South Lakes councillor Ben Berry, to raise money for the charity.

If the charity can raise another £5,000 in the next two weeks – and match last year’s fundraising total – the four-strong group will brave the elements and sleep outdoors with just a bivouac for warmth.

Cumbria Community Foundation raises money to help those who struggle to pay their fuel bills and Mr Beeforth hopes to draw attention to their plight.

He said: “We have had such extreme weather this winter, much wilder than last year and this makes it harder for us all to stay warm and safe.

“There are people who are choosing between eating food or heating their home right here in Cumbria this winter.”

Cllr Berry, who represents Windermere on South Lakeland District Council, said: “Most of the houses in the area I am a councillor for are off mains gas and rely upon oil or coal for heating.

“We’re all seeing energy prices rise and facing the rising challenge of paying increasingly large energy bills.

“I decided to help Cumbria Community Foundation by agreeing to sleep out on the fells and raise awareness of this vital fund that helps older people in need.”

The group will take to the fells on February 16.

First published at 16:42, Monday, 04 February 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk