Charity foundation will be caring Josh's lasting legacy

Josh Dugdale, whose family are to set up a charity foundation in his memory.

The Josh Dugdale Foundation will provide funds for people in the community who need help, from the elderly suffering isolation to vulnerable young adults, children and the homeless _ all those who Josh helped until his tragic death last year at the age of 19.

Laura Dugdale, Josh's mum said: "We want the Foundation to bring a smile and a bit of kindness into people's live because if Josh had still been here that's what he would be doing."

Josh, who lived with his parents Barry and Laura in Reedley, attended Wheatley Lane School in Fence and Fisher More High School, Colne. He had worked as an electrical engineer in Burnley for Chapman Ventilation and was in the process of looking for an apprenticeship.

Heidi Dugdale and Jade Stockburn who organised Dugfest in memory of Heidi's brother, Josh who died last year.

Determined that his legacy of being a kind, caring and helpful young man would live on, Josh's family began fundraising in August and Dugfest, a live band event, made £1,200.

Organised by Josh's sister, Heidi, who is only 14 and Jade Stockburn (21) the duo wanted the cash to go towards the Fraser Street Project in Burnley where Josh was a much valued volunteer.

But in an ironic twist of fate the pioneering club that had helped many disadvantaged children during the 14 years it ran, was forced to be closedown at the end of August as funding had dried up.

Instead the money from Dugfest will treat youngsters aged four to 11, who used to attend breakfast and after school clubs at Fraser Street, to a Christmas party at St Cuthbert's Church in December. The older children will be taken on a trip to the new Dropzone trampolining centre as a festive treat.

Plans are already in the pipeline for Dugfest 2017 which promises to be bigger and better ever.

And Josh's uncle Dan Collins and his wife Jane are planning a massive Hallowe'en fund raiser on Saturday, (October 29th)

Keen fans of the spooky occasion, the couple tied the knot on October 31st last year and always hold a house party on Hallowe'en.

This year they decided a celebration in Josh's memory would be the perfect tribute for him and also a way of raising cash for the Winston's Wish charity for bereaved children which also offers support and guidance to families who have lost a loved one.

Jane said: "Winston's Wish have been very supportive of the family over the last twelve months so is a charity close to all our hearts.

"We want to help raise awareness of what the charity is all about. They do a lot of work across the country but also do a lot of support work with children and families in the Burnley area. Holding this fundraiser will help them continue to offer this very much appreciated service."

The Hallowe'en event takes place at the Inn on the Wharf in Manchester Road, Burnley, and promises to be a family event with a host of attractions including unique games, a fancy dress competition for children and adults and a live auction with some top items including a signed Burnley shirt, and, in keeping with the scary theme, a a picture of the character Freddy Kruger from the Nightmare on Elm Street films which is signed by Robert Englund, the actor who played him.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children aged eight to 16. Under eights are free.

These can be bought by clicking onto the facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1395316200767943/ and donations to the fund can be made through the just giving page at

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/JDCollins3116#