Diana Kemp-Welch was much loved Patron to the Wilderness Foundation TurnAround Programme over a period of five years. She first was introduced to us during her time as High Sheriff of Essex and she quickly became a supporter of our work and mission to change vulnerable young people’s lives.
Diana not only was a supporter but a real friend to TurnAround  and its young people, many of whom came from very tragic and often traumatic backgrounds. She brought care, dignity and real elegance to the participants at our various celebration ceremonies and always showed a keen interest in our work and how to advance it.
Diana very tragically died in 2014.  Her devoted and loving husband John Kemp-Welch created a fund in her memory with the kind donation and commitment of  funding from The Dulverton Trust of which he was a Trustee.
The Wilderness Foundation were honoured to receive a very generous donation to deliver a range of scholarships to the young people on the TurnAround programme over a three year period, enabling them to buy in skills, training and education in a two tiered phase during their eighteen months with their programme cycle.
On a personal note, Diana was a special person, one who breathed goodness, dependability and love into everyone whose lives she touched. It was an honour to have been part of her life, and an honour to continue her work in her absence, ensuring her values and spirit live on.
Applications for the initial scholarship fund of £200 per participant are now in place and in March 2016 a ‘Dragon’s Den’ type interview process will be held for two winners of the major £2,000 award. This will be open to TurnAround graduates of TA5 and TA6.
Please contact the Foundation on 0300 123 3073 if you wish to apply or refer someone.
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