Eleanor Laidlaw, Laidlaw Trust Funds


Cumbria Community Foundation acts as a vital bridge in the community, linking those who are able and willing to give with those in need of their support and by leaving a legacy, you can help build stronger local communities.

Eleanor Laidlaw created two grant making funds at the Foundation to remember her sisters, Violet and Janetta. She said: “I wanted my sisters’ legacies to live on. They were both deeply considerate of others people’s needs, particularly those who are homeless or elderly. Investing with the Foundation means that the Funds will not only help tackle today’s issues but those in the future too.”

The Violet Laidlaw Trust Fund supports charitable groups helping homeless people or individuals in need of support in the Carlisle City Council area. Violet formerly of Scotby and Carlisle studied Home Economics and the Nursing of Sick Children. From a young age she showed a concern for the welfare of the homeless and less fortunate giving support whenever needed.

Cumbria Gateway, a peer led social enterprise for homeless people in Carlisle, received grant support to extend the opening hours of their drop-in service over the winter. During the colder months they were able to provide homeless individuals with hot food and sleeping bags.

The Janetta Topsy Laidlaw Trust makes financial awards to older people who need equipment or additional support that is not available from the state or for which people cannot afford. Janetta Laidlaw, who was better known as Topsy was an occupational health specialist who prior to her retirement was employed by the Cumbria Health Authority. She was a compassionate and generous person and wanted to help older people remain independent in their homes for as long as possible.

Ellen Clements, Senior Grants and Donor Services Officer at the Foundation said: “We’re very proud to be able to manage the Laidlaw Trust Funds. The money from both has been invaluable in helping support those who are in desperate need in our county.”