A PROGRAMME in memory of a popular Lakes chef will be launched on Wednesday.

Cumbrian Matt Campbell died earlier this year while competing in the London Marathon.

Matt, 29, died just 3.7miles from the end as he tried to raise £3,000 for the Brathray Trust.

But the outpouring of grief has been astonishing. There were over 31,000 messages of support and to donations currently totalling £440,000 on his JustGiving Page.

Now Matt’s family has agreed his amazing legacy will benefit hundreds of young people by building their resilience to cope with difficult times in their lives with the Resilience 3.7 programme.

The programme, which will be launched at Matt’s old school, Kirkbie Kendal, on Wednesday and the pupils there will be among the first to benefit from the initiative.

Brathay’s CEO Godfrey Owen and the High Sheriff for Cumbria, Simon Berry, will among those who will help launch the programme.

Mr Owen said: "The Resilience 3.7 programme is open to secondary schools across the north of England.

"Between 50 and 100 per cent of the cost will be met by the legacy fund.

"It provides an alternative curriculum for young people who are struggling to engage in mainstream education as a result of low mental health and resilience.

"This might include low self-esteem, anxiety and stress, poor relationships with peers and adults, lack of engagement in positive activities.

The afternoon session is about pupils trying something new, or something they wouldn’t normally do – as Matt did during his life – and explore new opportunities and experiences, which help build resilience.

"Resilience is about not giving up, setting goals, coping with life’s knocks and knowing where to find support if needed. Resilience is a core part of mental wellbeing.