Published at 11:29, Monday, 02 April 2012

People power is going strong in Cumbria. Today we are delighted to tell two stories of Cumbrians whose dedication to others is inspirational.

Last summer David and Sallie McNeill’s beloved 17-year-old son Tom died following a holiday accident.

Through their grief the couple have continued to work with their StagedRight Youth Theatre group.

And now StagedRight is about to open its first studios, in Carlisle’s Shaddon Mill, after the building’s owner Fred Story was touched by David and Sallie’s courage and determination.

The young people they continue to teach include some of Tom’s friends. This has been painful at times. But David and Sallie are determined to help youngsters pursue their dreams.

Ryan Winthrop from Maryport has devoted the past year to British forces overseas.

Ryan’s son is in the Royal Logistics Corp. And Ryan is giving his time and energy to improving the lives of hundreds of servicemen and women.

As Cumbria’s co-ordinator for the Support Our Soldiers charity, he collects and sends dozens of boxes every month containing toiletries and bits and pieces to make life overseas more tolerable.

Ryan has praised the support of his employer and of people all over Cumbria.

There is a clear parallel with the response to David and Sallie McNeill’s work.

When good people go the extra mile, others are inspired to follow suit.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk