A fund set up in memory of a popular Saffron Walden teenager who “made the most of every day and lived life to the full” has been given a huge boost by the town’s Waitrose store.
The Andre Young Loving Life Legacy was formed in memory of former County High School pupil Andre Young, who died in an accident while on holiday in Crete in August 2009. He was 17.
The legacy aims to help many young people and organisations within the community to “Love Life” the way the teenager did.
Andre’s mum, Bev Young, was invited to the Waitrose AGM at the town hall last week to receive a cheque for £2,604.44 for the legacy, which has been the store’s chosen charity for the last 12 months.
She was delighted to receive the money, and said: “A lot of Andre’s friends work there and it is fantastic they’ve chosen the Loving Life Legacy as their chosen charity. I am very grateful, and very proud that people still remember Andre and want to support the legacy.”
Since it was set up, The Andre Young Loving Life Legacy has been able to give almost £8,000 to youth community initiatives and causes close to Andre’s heart.
It has supported the Worldwide Scouts jamboree, the Carver Barracks Injured Soldiers Fund, funded a youth worker for a year for the Saffron Walden Youth Outreach Project, paid for an iPad for Accuro, and supplied kits and equipment for local football clubs.
It has also provided books and reading schemes for RA Butler schools, helped St Mary’s to refurbish its wildlife area, and supported the County High to replace equipment used for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
“Andre was an incredibly happy and humorous young man who would always make time for others and he made the most of every day and lived life to the full,” said Bev.
“Something that touched us on his death was the amount of people who said that Andre had a knack of always making time for people and making people feel listened too.
“I have never had to push Andre’s legacy – it has just evolved.
“I have listened and talked and made time for people, and through using his tried-and-tested methods have been able to support groups and projects that I know Andre would have been exceptionally happy in supporting and by helping others to love life.”
She added: “It is nice to be able to help with the little things that people don’t necessarily want or think about fundraising for.
“And I hope it carries on.”
• An annual memorial history lecture was also set up in Andre’s memory at Saffron Walden County High School. The teenager wanted to study a History degree before going on to join the Army as an office.
Dr John Guy, Professor Richard Evans, Antony Beevor and Dr Anna Whitlock, renowned historians, writers and TV and radio presenters, have lectured at the event.
This year Dr Hannah Dawson will be guest speaker, on May 6 at the school. It is free and open to all members of the community. Contact the school for details.
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