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About

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Andy North

In Memory of Andy

In Memory of Andy
Andy had a passion for the Yorkshire Dales and if he wasn't at home, he would be found up on the fells. Andy was an inspirational Deputy Head of a primary school in West Yorkshire for many years and made a difference to the lives of so many children.
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Life changed significantly when Debs was diagnosed with spinal degeneration and since she became a wheelchair user Andy and Debs have become ambassador for accessibility to the outdoors.
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Following a short illness, Andy sadly passed away on 29th June 2021.
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Andy’s last wish was that we raise the money to  purchase an all-terrain wheelchair specifically for children which will be located in an idyllic spot in the Yorkshire Dales, where families will be able to borrow it and will be able to share beautiful moments and enjoy the landscape that brought Andy so much happiness.
Over £16,000 has been raised so far and we have been able to purchase the first TerrainHopper… the start of Access The Dales.

Debbie North
Founder

Debbie is a freelance consultant, writer and motivational speaker – an expert in accessibility in the Countryside – making the inaccessible accessible. 

www.debbienorth.org

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Amanda Owen
Patron

"I am absolutely thrilled to be asked to be patron of Access the Dales. 

All the family loved Andy and we cannot think of a better way to celebrate his life than by supporting Access the Dales – the charity set up in memory of a man who loved and walked the Yorkshire Dales. 

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Amanda Owen.HEIC

Trustees

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Melanie Cox-Globe
Link

Mel is a headteacher of  a large Primary School. She has a love of the walking  and is passionate about getting children outdoors. Mel, Debs and Andy were often found out of the fells together and were known locally as the ‘Laid Back Trio’ 

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Amy-Rose Medlock
Link

Deaf musician and Community Arts Specialist Amy-Rose Atkinson set-up Access The Arts in 2016 with the aim of improving access and inclusivity within the creative arts. Her love of walking grew through the time she spent in the Dales with Debs and Andy and her husband Adam. 

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Jonathan Smith
Link

Jonathan Smith is an expert local walking guide, mountain leader and author. Jonathan leads navigation course in the Yorkshire Dales and despite being a football fan of Newcastle was a close friend and walking buddy of Andy. 

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Holly
Brega
Link

Holly is a freelance videographer, specialising in nature and travel.  Holly, Debs and Andy have spent many a happy an hour walking in the Yorkshire Dales together. 

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