Published at 17:01, Monday, 19 November 2012

By Ian DunstanTHE family of a woman with a ‘golden heart’ have vowed to carry on running the youth club she set up.

TRIBUTE: Rachel Foord, who died in September Submitted

Pic in submitted: S93763B.jpg

Twelve months after opening its doors to the young people of Thwaites, near Millom, the team behind St Anne’s Youth Group are carrying on the legacy of its founder, Rachel Foord.

Mrs Foord, of The Green, lost her short battle with breast cancer on September 29.

Now, the 60-year-old’s family and friends have vowed to fulfil one of her final wishes – keeping the Thwaites Village Hall-hosted youth club running.

In lieu of flowers at her funeral on October 12, £770 was raised for the youth group’s funds.

Mrs Foord’s husband, Peter Foord, said: “At the funeral, all the collection money went towards the youth club funds.

“The group was her baby and she wanted it to grow.”

The former nurse, and latterly carer in The Green, was fully supported by her family when setting up the club.

Son Ricky Foord coaches the football sessions, while her other son Simon Woods, and his wife Emma, run the tuck shop.

Mrs Woods said: “It was important for Rachel to have the youth club and it’s important for us now to keep it going.”

Fellow members Adrianne Calsy and Jeff Benson also helped set up the club, alongside Mrs Foord’s sister, Jean Jones.

Mrs Jones said: “Rachel had a golden heart and would always put others first.”

The family moved to The Green from their native Worcester in 2007 and Mrs Foord was the driving force behind setting up the youth club.

Mr Foord, said: “Rachel was on the village hall committee and put the idea for a youth club forward.

“After deliberations she just decided to get it done.”

The group now has 30 or so young people on the books, some coming from Millom and even Haverigg, to make the most of the Friday night activities.

As well exercise equipment, the club boasts a full size snooker table and comfortable hang-out area.

Mrs Foord died before another project, setting up a local cancer support group, came to fruition.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk