A foundation supporting local children has been launched in memory of Frome sisters Maddie and Libby North, who died in a road collision on the Frome Bypass in July 2023.
The Maddie and Libby North Foundation aims to enhance educational and recreational opportunities for children up to the age of 11 in the community.
The sisters both worked in education before they died. Maddie was due to graduate from Bath Spa University as a primary school teacher, and Libby worked in a nursery school in Frome.
Their aunty, Jo Ozden, said, “Losing Maddie and Libby is such a tragic loss for our family. The Foundation is all about keeping their legacy going and helping other children.”
The Foundation provides financial support and resources to schools, nurseries, charities, clubs and voluntary or not-for-profit organisations in Frome and the surrounding BA postcodes. Benefits include helping children with learning materials such as reading books and textbooks, digital resources, art supplies, musical instruments, class outings and excursions, sports activities and clubs.
Funds will be raised through traditional events, including jumble sales and a tombola.
Maddie and Libby’s dad, Jason, said, “We can’t thank the community enough for sharing kindness and being so supportive. One way the Foundation can help is that if a local school wants to take the children to Longleat but can’t afford it, we hope that the Foundation will be able to facilitate that.”
This year, the Foundation is the official beneficiary of the Wessex Truck Gathering, which is being held on Saturday 28th March at Frome Market.
They will have a stall to raise funds with a tombola and a raffle. Prizes include an all-inclusive holiday to Turkey, a spa day for two, and Cheese Show family tickets, among others.
The family has personal connections to the trucking world, as Jason was a truck driver for 30 years.
At last year’s gathering, there was a large convoy of trucks and lorries along the Frome Bypass, beeping their horns in honour of the sisters.
Jason said, “It was a spectacular event for Frome. Maddie and Libby used to love riding in the trucks with me. When the crash happened, the support from drivers was just amazing.”
Last year, the family, which includes the girls’ only aunt and uncle from the North family, raised over £20,000 for RoadPeace, a charity that supports people who are bereaved or injured in road crashes and campaigns to reduce road danger.
They held a fun day at Frome Cricket Club, which they hope to hold again.
For more information about the Maddie and Libby North Foundation, visit https://www.maddielibbynorthfoundation.com/
