Georgia Williams' legacy will be a long-lasting one
Six months after the murder of Shropshire teenager Georgia Williams, the charity set up in her name has unveiled its exciting plans for the £30,000 raised in her memory.
"It's more than we ever imagined and it's testament to all the hard work from everyone who has been touched by Georgia's story and has felt moved to help out," said Richard Langton, chairman of the Georgia Williams Trust.
"It's a phenomenal amount for a charity that will always be very small and locally based and will be looking to benefit young people in the Telford & Wrekin borough.
"We've been overwhelmed by support from individuals, organisations and local businesses and it's been six months of fantastic fundraising events.
"It's also been six months of hard work for everyone involved in the trust. None of us had ever set up a charity before and finally being able to open up the funding for young people to access feels great."
The Georgia Williams Trust is the tangible legacy of the free-spirited, community-minded 17-year-old from Wellington, Telford.
Formed in the weeks immediately after her death, the trust aims to help other young people take part in the kind of adventurous activities Georgia enjoyed as well as contribute to their local community.
"I like to think the family will get huge comfort from the fact that thanks to Georgia young people will get these amazing opportunities," said Mr Langton.
More than 10,000 wristbands in orange and turquoise – Georgia's favourite colours – have been sold, bearing the trust motto "Free Your Spirit – Join In" and an image of a ferret, in recognition of the teenager's nickname. T-shirts have also been distributed and a fundraising day called Ferret Fest organised in the town.
And the trust is getting ready to release the money raised so far to help young people to enrich their lives.
"This isn't for a nice day out," said Mr Langton. "Applications likely to succeed are those which demonstrate to us that the young person is looking to challenge themselves, to broaden their horizons, to learn a new skill and to give something back.
"Georgia gave so much of her life to other people, she was always willing to help, volunteer, join in and that's what we would like to see this money helping other young people to do."
In the new year, applications will open for 11 to 18-year-olds living or studying in Telford & Wrekin to apply for a non means-tested grant, typically up to £250.
He added: "We are going to help a group of New College students who are going to Morocco to work with people living in a village there. They've raised money for their travel and we are going to assist a few of these students.
"But another group of young people from New College raised £2,000 doing the Three Peaks Challenge – so thanks to them, their fellow students will do something that really makes a difference."
Applications will be considered by a panel of trustees.
"I am looking forward to reading these applications and finding out more about these young people and their ambitions," Mr Langton added.
Some of the funds have been spent on a bench in Bowring Park in Wellington, one of Georgia's favourite haunts.
Mr Langton said: "Very early on one of Georgia's friends said the bench was something they would like to do.
"And we are really pleased to have been able to bring that about.
"Every few days someone will leave a bunch of flowers there which is really heart warming to see as I drive past."
The day to day progress of the charity is shared on its Facebook page, Twitter feed and website, which has seen a surge in support since the conviction of Georgia's killer, 23-year-old Jamie Reynolds.
The Facebook page features a stream of pictures showing supporters wearing wristbands in unusual places. "We don't allow people to make comments about Jamie Reynolds or the judicial process – it's a source of fun and good news.
"Steve, Lynnette and Scarlett can dip in and out and it no doubt gives them a lift to see all the good work that's being done."
One of the latest donations has come from Santander bank in Telford. After staff raised £342, branch manager Sharmila Klair applied to the Santander Foundation for more funding and was able to secure a whopping £5,000.
One of the next events is a quiz night and auction this Thursday at AFC Telford. Mr Langton said: "We've got three teams from the trust and one of police officers from Wellington. Auction bids can also be placed via Facebook.
"We are honoured the trust is able to create a legacy to keep her story alive and do things in her memory."
How The Georgia Williams Trust can help you:
Young people aged 11-18 years old can apply for grants to make a difference. They must be living or studying in Telford & Wrekin. Grants are up to £250.
You can follow the trust @RememberGeorgia on Twitter. The trust is also on Facebook or visit www.thegeorgiawilliamstrust.org
You can also e-mail the trust at info@thegeorgiawilliamstrust.org
Donations can be made to The Georgia Williams Trust bank account with Barclays Bank. The account is under the name New College Telford The Georgia Williams Fund and the account number is 33366030 and the sort code is 20-85-46
