Friends of Derwent Hill

21/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14VFVWyXjxS/

Christmas has come early for Derwent Hill!

We have a shiny new safety boat (modelled here by tutor Chris)! This is thanks to Professor Paul Holland, who is from Sunderland, and his wife Jenny, who have both become trustees of the Friends of Derwent Hill.

Paul has very fond memories of his time at Derwent Hill and believes it changed his self confidence and understanding of what he was capable of. Having recently been to Everest Base Camp, he also credits Derwent Hill with giving him a lifelong love of the outdoors.

Paul and Jenny have very kindly donated funds to pay for a new safety boat at the centre which is currently being prepared to go into service in the new year.

You can help support the young people of Sunderland in coming to Derwent Hill by making a donation to the Friends of Derwent Hill through the following link:

www.justgiving.com/charity/friendsofderwenthill

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all our followers and supporters 🎄🎅🎁

21/12/2025

Friends of Derwent Hill are delighted to welcome Paul and Jenny Holland to our small group of Trustees. We would welcome any others with an interest in Helping youngsters to access the amazing experiences offered by a visit to Derwent Hill please get in touch.

Christmas has come early for Derwent Hill!

We have a shiny new safety boat (modelled here by tutor Chris)! This is thanks to Professor Paul Holland, who is from Sunderland, and his wife Jenny, who have both become trustees of the Friends of Derwent Hill.

Paul has very fond memories of his time at Derwent Hill and believes it changed his self confidence and understanding of what he was capable of. Having recently been to Everest Base Camp, he also credits Derwent Hill with giving him a lifelong love of the outdoors.

Paul and Jenny have very kindly donated funds to pay for a new safety boat at the centre which is currently being prepared to go into service in the new year.

You can help support the young people of Sunderland in coming to Derwent Hill by making a donation to the Friends of Derwent Hill through the following link:

www.justgiving.com/charity/friendsofderwenthill

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all our followers and supporters 🎄🎅🎁

18/11/2025

Friends of Derwent Hill would like to send a huge THANK YOU to the John Hogg Community Fund for the very generous award of £1,100. This will enable disadvantaged pupils from local schools to experience the, often life changing opportunities provided by Derwent Hill.
John Hogg funeral directors, thanks again for supporting local needs.

12/04/2025

09/04/2025

Julie has stopped to take in the view at the top of High Cup Nick. She is about half way through her run now. Track her progress from the link in our bio

09/04/2025

Please support Julie Carter as she approaches the end of her epic run from Derwent Hill to the Stadium of Light.
She will hope to finish at the S.O.L. sometime tomorrow afternoon 10/4/25. If you haven't already donated please use this link to support the challenge. https://justgiving.com/friendsofderwenthill

Thank you.

13/03/2025

Please support Julie as she takes on this incredible challenge to raise funds to support disadvantaged pupils to visit Derwent Hill which has had such a positive impact on thousands of children over the years. Please read the item and use the link to donate and help her reach her target.
Please share this and help spread the word. Thanks.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/jc88milerun

A retired GP and renowned fell runner is calling on North East businesses to help her give back to the outdoor activity and education centre that changed her life during challenging teenage years.  

28/02/2025

Julie Carter is planning to run from Derwent Hill to Sunderland City Hall, to raise funds to support disadvantaged pupils from the city to access the often 'life changing' experiences offered by this renowned outdoor Centre.
Please add your support by scanning the QR code or donating through Just Giving https://justgiving.com/friendsofderwenthill
Thank you.

10/02/2025

Dr Julie Carter is an author, as well as a successful fell runner. Over her life she has been a teacher, scientist and Doctor and now performs 'The dreamtime fell runner' which is taking place in venues across the country, including Washington Arts Centre on 13th February. https://www.mindfell.co.uk/events
Julie is a Sunderland Lass, who fell in love with Lakes after a visit to Derwent Hill.
She says: “The best thing that happened to me as a kid was coming to Derwent Hill. That saved me in many ways. It opened my eyes to the outdoors. I lived for coming to the Lake District.”
Julie plans on taking on a very demanding challenge in order to raise money for the young people of Sunderland. Details to follow.
You can find out more about this remarkable woman by visiting her page at https://www.facebook.com/julie.carter.73113

20/11/2024

A few statements expressed by Headteachers who value the support of the charity and the impact it has on the pupils who would otherwise miss out on such an amazing range of experiences.

Certainly, the children in receipt of the bursary would never have had the opportunity to visit the lakes with their families or friends.
The children that accessed the bursary, still talk about the experience almost a year on.
Pupils tell us they feel more confident and have a more positive attitude.
“It made me more determined to give things a try and to go out of my comfort zone.”
“I was able to do activities that I did not even think I could do and I learnt about myself.”
Thank you to the Friends of Derwent Hill for making bursaries available to those in need, you cannot imagine the difference it makes to a young child's life both now and undoubtedly in the future.
You can read more on the website. https://www.derwenthill.co.uk/schools/friends-of-derwent-hill/
To help us continue supporting disadvantaged pupils please donate using the link below.
https://justgiving.com/friendsofderwenthill

Raise money, support your friends, give to a cause. Show you care.

15/04/2024

FofDH urgently need more support, if you feel you would like to help by joining our team could you register your interest through this page or via our website.

Friends of Derwent Hill is a registered charity which supports Derwent Hill and raises funds to help disadvantaged young people benefit from Derwent Hill.

05/03/2024

FofDH supports the young children of Sunderland to access the often life-changing experiences offered by the outdoors. Please help us to continue by visiting our website at https://www.derwenthill.co.uk/schools/friends-of-derwent-hill/ and make a donation or use this link https://justgiving.com/friendsofderwenthill Thank you.

Raise money, support your friends, give to a cause. Show you care.