When 17-year-old Louis Ross from Tarrant Keyneston tragically died in a skiing accident in December 2015, his family was devastated. To console themselves in the face of deep despair, they reflected on the things that had made Louis so popular among his peers.

They concluded that it was his kindness, friendliness and empathy towards those experiencing challenges in their lives and so, they decided to carry the kindness on in Louis’s name. The Louis Ross Foundation charity was established in 2016 with the simple mission statement, ‘helping young people facing difficulty’, aimed at under 25s in a catchment area that includes Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

Over the past six years the charity’s fundraising, the knowledge that its mission is valued and that it has lent a helping hand to so many people has brought some comfort to Louis’ family. The Foundation is run by Louis’ parents, Penny and John Ross, along with trustees and friends. People have completed marathons, cycled, kayaked, sky-dived, taken part in Tough Mudders, grown moustaches and had hair-cuts – all to boost Louis’ remarkable charity. Others have got involved in golf days, quiz nights, Burns nights, a celebrity football match and more.

This year, two people who were particularly close to Louis made huge efforts for the Foundation. In July, Max Tipping, his friend from pre-school days, staged the Louis Ross Festival music weekender near Sturminster Marshall. More than 400 young people came, many of whom knew Louis and Max, and they raised a colossal £15,000!

Then in September, Louis’s dad, John, completed Ride Across Britain, cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats in nine days. A heroic effort requiring much training, it raised more than £4,000 and took Louis’ name to the far corners of our island.

The ongoing support and fundraising by the community at Canford School, where Louis was a student, has meant a great deal to his family, too. From incredibly difficult beginnings, Louis’ Foundation has now proudly announced that outgoing donations have totalled more than £100,000 and applications for funding are warmly invited to be considered by the trustees. Those who’ve benefited have faced challenges like poverty, homelessness, illness, bereavement and physical and mental disabilities and the fact that all of this giving is carried-out in Louis’ name has helped his family drive the continuation of his evergreen Foundation.

Support is always welcome and to make contact, email penny@louisross.org. Penny, John and the family say that it’s hard to believe that six years have passed since such a vibrant and loved young man lost his life – but it is wonderful that his legacy lives on.

By Lorraine Gibson
newsdesk@stourandavon.net