Trip to Alaska helps Wey Valley teen's memory live on (From Dorset Echo)

Trip to Alaska helps Wey Valley teen's memory live on

11:00am Tuesday 9th February 2010

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THE memory of a former Wey Valley schoolgirl is living on in a trip to Alaska.

Proceeds from the Claire Clements Trust will help pupils go on the adventure of a lifetime – The Gates Of The Arctic expedition – this summer.

Michael and Barbara Clements set up the trust with the support of Wey Valley in memory of their daughter Claire after her death in a car crash in 2003.

They have granted money to some pupils going on the expedition.

But they have also set up a £1,000 annual bursary within the Dorset Expeditionary Society to help fund trips.

Mr Clements said: “We’ve supported various individuals over the years.

“Now we’ve decided to have an annual donation to the society.

“Claire was very involved in outdoor education. After she was killed we decided to form the trust to help young people who might not otherwise be able to go on trips.”

The British Canoe Foundation has also pledged £1,000 towards the costs of training for the Alaska expedition.

Claire, 17, died after the car in which she was travelling left the M6 motorway.

She went on many trips with Wey Valley to Dartmoor and the Brecon Beacons.

The trust has worked with Weymouth College, local schools and the Dorset Expeditionary Society as well as Nepal project leader Richard Backwell of Sutton Poyntz.

It recently donated money to Julia’s House children’s hospice for a siblings’ day to help the brothers and sisters of sick children.

Wey Valley head of PE Marl Salmon, former Wey Valley head of upper school Clive Burgess and former Wey Valley head boy Ollie Bray – who is a deputy head in a Scottish school – will lead the expedition.

Taylor Jade Blake and Louie Welford from Wey Valley and Emily Boyce from Budmouth have received grants from the trust for Alaska trip.

Pupils must raise £2,500 to pay for the expedition, and will be holding events over the coming months.

Wey Valley will also be holding a non-uniform day to raise funds for the trust as a thank-you for its support.

Firms that are able to sponsor the team are urged to call 01305 812855.

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