In November of 2011, Richard Angove – our Explorer Scout leader and a valued member of All Saints’ Church – was driving back to Cheltenham, when he became caught up in a car chase, not of his making, which tragically cost him his life. Rich lived life to the full, so it was only natural that family, friends, and colleagues wanted to mark his life and have an ongoing positive and practical means of remembrance. His brother has already set up a charity in Rich’s name to raise funds for three of his keen interests: the Army charities, Rugby, and Scouting.
All Saints felt that they too wanted to have something to remember Rich by so we have set up our own Richard’s Fund. The All Saints PCC and some of Rich’s friends pledged £300 to start the fund and our Cubs, Scouts and Explorers have carried out various fund raising projects to add to it since then. The most ambitious of these was the sponsored Triathlon, organised by Sandy Campbell, Rich’s co-Explorer leader and ex-army comrade, with the help of the Explorers in September 2012. Explorers completed 60 kms; the first third of the journey by bike, the second leg by canoe or kayak and finally a hike to finish the event. The group have been regularly completing triathlons every second year since, but unfortunately Covid-19 restrictions prevented the 2020 triathlon from taking place.
Monies raised were split between Richards Fund and Help for Heroes. The purpose of Richard’s Fund is to have a reserve of money to help Scouts and Explorers undertake activities that were closest to Rich’s heart – Mountain hikes, Expedition challenges, Kayaking expeditions, Dragnet and Jamborees.
Richard’s Fund will be used to support individuals or groups who want to take part in these adventurous but more costly challenges and activities. If you would like to send a donation to Richard’s Fund, please contact our Group Treasurer – treasurer@allsaintsscouts.org.uk.