Support to raise £1m for treasured Birk Crag Girlguiding centre grows

Since then, a number of readers from across many generations of Guides have enquired about how to get involved, so that current and future members can enjoy the same life-changing experiences they had.

Two of the determined fundraisers passionate about preserving the Birk Crag experience are Jill Heyes and Jill Morgan, who are delighted that readers have started to come forward to find out about how to make a donation.

Guides publicity officer Jill Heyes is walking one million steps in 80 days, and is already three quarters of the way to reaching her target. Jill Morgan is walking 1000 miles over a year. Both are staggering challenges, but the dedicated duo said they are just eager to give something back to the centre that has given so much to so many.

Jill Heyes said: “Birk Crag is a wonderful place, it holds lots and lots of fond memories, and I want to make sure that I can give a little bit back and help Guides for the future, so that they have somewhere really special for them to go.

“I have had donations not from just people in our county, but from up and down the country - including quite a few from Scotland. I think they are people who have possibly stayed, and have had some connection with the centre. It shows just how much it means to people.

District helper Jill Morgan said: “I started my challenge on January 2 and I’ve been walking as much as I can since then. I decided I wanted to put something back into Guiding after enjoying my time as a Brownie and Guide.

“I like the centre because it is where the girls can have fun and try out new skills that they are not able to do at their weekly unit meetings. I would encourage all readers if they can to start their own walking challenge, make it a sponsored event and help rebuild Birk Crag, which will mean we can take local County Guiding into the future.”

To sponsor Jill Heyes, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Jill-heyesTo sponsor Jill Morgan, donate to the Birk Crag centre fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/girl-guiding-north-yorkshire-west/birkcragcentre - follow links to both at our website.