Parents take Olivia Inspires to schools in memory of gifted daughter
THE parents of a gifted university student who was tragically killed last year are visiting secondary schools to promote the charity they have set up in her name.
Called Olivia Inspires, it celebrates the memory of 20-year-old Olivia Burt, who died in a horrific accident outside a nightclub in Durham, where she was a first-year student studying natural sciences.
A former pupil of Milford Primary School who went on to become head girl at Bournemouth School for Girls, Olivia was also a talented sportswoman who sailed internationally, representing Great Britain in various youth classes.
After receiving financial support from a number of local and national organisations and businesses, Olivia’s parents Nigel and Paula Burt are inviting young people to apply for grant aid funding to enable them to fulfil their potential.
Nigel said: “You might need to buy new football boots, pay for music lessons, buy some equipment you need for your course, or go on a school trip to the theatre.
"Whatever it is, Olivia Inspires is here to support you. Don’t be afraid to contact us if you’re not sure whether we can help you.”
Following a recent visit to Bournemouth School for Girls, Paula and Nigel were boosted by news that Curie House, which Olivia was in when she was a pupil, has chosen Olivia Inspires as its charity of the year.
The pupils are planning to host several events throughout the year starting with a charity quiz.
University College, which was Olivia’s college at Durham University, and Lymington Town Sailing Club, where Olivia was a member, have also pledged their support.
The fund has also been boosted by donations from individuals and organisations, including Gill Instruments, where Olivia worked on her gap year, the Beaulieu Beaufort Foundation and Bransgore Rotary Club.
In addition, a group of volunteers from Milford plan a series of fundraising events for the charity.
Nigel added: “We have been delighted by the support that the community has offered Olivia Inspires. Without this, we would not be able to offer the same level of support to the young people of the New Forest.
“Our priority now is to get the applications rolling in from the young people we want to help. We are in the process of visiting all of the secondary schools and colleges in the New Forest and explaining how Olivia Inspires can support their students.
"The applications have started to come through but we want lots more. It is really easy to apply via a simple form on the website."
To find out more, make an application for support or donate to the charity, visit www.oliviainspires.org.uk.
