Bendrigg has been voted this year’s recipient of The Merrell Fund grant, earning an increased level of support to extend its project and further its mission of opening up outdoor adventure to people with disabilities.
Taking place at this year’s Kendal Mountain Festival, the announcement was made following the inaugural Merrell Fund Live showcase, in front of a full audience. Earlier this year, the Merrell Fund invited charities nationwide to apply for grant funding, with four organisations shortlisted: Mind Over Mountains, The Outside Club, Fix the Fells, and Bendrigg.
Each charity took to the stage to share the tangible impact of their work – from mental health support delivered through time in nature, to disability-inclusive adventure programmes, to hands-on conservation of cherished landscapes. After an evening of conversation, storytelling and live audience voting, Bendrigg was crowned the overall winner.
Bendrigg delivers inclusive, residential outdoor-activity breaks for people of all ages and abilities. Its mission centres on making adventure accessible, enabling participants to experience activities such as zip-wires, caving and canoeing in a fully adapted environment, while fostering confidence, connection and personal growth through immersive nature experiences.
The event was hosted by Daniel Macaulay, founder of Brandwave, and featured a panel discussion with voices from Merrell and the Youth Hostel Association, including Malone Jaen and Zoe Gooderham from Merrell, alongside Ellie Butler-Church from YHA. The discussion explored the growing impact of the Merrell Fund and its continued partnership with YHA.
The Merrell Fund, set up by Merrell through its European arm Wolverine Europe Ltd, supports non-profit organisations whose work aligns with the brand’s purpose of sharing the simple power of being outside with everyone, with a focus on accessibility, belonging and environmental protection across UK outdoor spaces.
Jonny Quint, Merrell’s Senior Product and Marketing Director EMEA, said: “Bendrigg’s work embodies everything the Merrell Fund stands for – breaking down barriers, building confidence, and opening the outdoors to those who are too often excluded from it. Seeing the audience respond so passionately to their mission was incredibly inspiring, and we’re proud to play a part in supporting their next chapter.”
Ellie Butler-Church, Marketing Manager (England & Wales) at YHA, added: “The organisations showcased are making a real, measurable difference in their communities, and Bendrigg’s commitment to accessible adventure is truly life-changing. Their work aligns so closely with our values at YHA, and it’s fantastic to see them recognised by the public in such a meaningful way.”
Lizzie Feltoe, Fundraising Manager at Bendrigg added: “Bendrigg was really pleased to be shortlisted in such a strong group of finalists, and we were proud to have the chance to present alongside them. Thanks so much to Merrell Fund and the audience at Kendal Mountain Festival for supporting us with their votes. We will use our grant award to help more disabled children access adventures in the outdoors, especially where finances are the last hurdle to them taking part. We’re already excited about welcoming more children to Bendrigg where they can try something new, enjoy the adventures and gain confidence and independence as a result.”
Ahead of the final result, and while votes were being counted, Thi Thao Do from the Wonderful Wild Women community delivered a powerful talk on how nature transformed her life, and how this experience led her to create Weekday Wander, a welcoming space for women looking to take their first steps into the outdoors.
In addition to Bendrigg receiving the grand prize, the three runners-up were each awarded an initial grant from the Merrell Fund, helping to strengthen and support their vital work and ensuring the impact of the initiative extends far beyond a single winner.
