Community group founder receives special award at Cumbrian graduation

A community group founder who helped people during the pandemic was given the ‘Spirit of Cumbria’ award during the University of Cumbria’s graduation ceremonies last month, recognising the significant contribution his charitable work has made to the community in Cumbria.  

Richard Francis, 36, set up a community support group during the pandemic called Leave A Light On, known as LALO, to help key workers and people experiencing difficulties during the pandemic. The group initially delivered hampers to those in need, but the group’s offer has continued to expand due to increasing demand for the group’s services.  

Richard attended his graduation ceremony at Carlisle Cathedral on Thursday 24 November, where he graduated with Dip HE Paramedic Practice. The ceremony took place more than 18 months after he qualified as a paramedic due to the pandemic halting the ceremonies until earlier this year.

The ‘Spirit of Cumbria’ award recognises people who exemplify the university’s values of progressive, passionate, supportive, or personal and who are exceptional role models to the community.    

Reacting to the award Richard said “I never expected this award or at this time. It has been a bit overwhelming at times, especially being up on stage and hearing those kind words about me, it means a lot. 

He continued: “I’d like to give special thanks to all LALO’s volunteers that have been integral in keeping the group growing and a special thanks to my wife, Marina Mackay for her support along the way.”

Initially, Richard thought LALO would be a short-term response to the pandemic but in fact, the need in the county remains high even now, due in part to the cost-of-living crisis, and so LALO continues to expand the help it offers. They now help anyone in need, collect and distribute furniture, signpost people to community services such as mental health support and food banks and run their own counselling service and even rescue wildlife in need. 

As part of his vision for the future of LALO, Richard would like to see the equivalent of an ‘A&E’ department for mental health problems set up, as he sees the number of mental health problems only increasing and believes that dedicated mental health support is vital. 

Richard still leads LALO despite working full-time as an on-call paramedic in Callander, near Stirling for the Scottish Ambulance Service. 

Richard estimates that LALO has helped 5,000 people in Cumbria. His efforts have been recognised with several awards, including a ‘Point of Light’ award from former Prime Minister, Boris Johnston. 

The group will be celebrating its 1000th day in December and plans to hold a celebration event to mark the impressive milestone. The charity is now being supported by local businesses so the financial future of the group is more secure for now. 

As LALO is staffed by a dedicated team of volunteers, Richard is always on the lookout for volunteers. People can sign up on LALO’s website. 

Speaking about why Richard was nominated for the award, Tom Davidson, Director for Center for Excellence in Paramedic Practice at the University of Cumbria said: 

“By setting up LALO Richards has gone far beyond what most people would or could do, especially as he has such a demanding job as a paramedic. Richard has an inherent drive to help others and is more than worthy of the ‘Spirit of Cumbria’ award.” 

Richard is from Essex originally and moved to Cumbria when he was 15, having developed an affinity for the county ever since.  

The university’s winter graduation ceremonies took place at Carlisle Cathedral last month. More than 1,200 University of Cumbria graduands celebrated their academic achievements in nine different graduation ceremonies which took place at Carlisle Cathedral. 

Alongside the students, three public figures were also recognised at the ceremonies for their achievements and contributions.  

Professor Kath McCourt CBE FRCN, Deputy Chair at Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate, the university’s highest honour. 

Marcia Reid Fotheringham, former High Sheriff of Cumbria, was made an Honorary Fellow. As was, Brian Higgins, an international songwriter, formally of Whitehaven, who is responsible for multitudes of chart pop hits, including Cher’s ‘Believe’ and various Girls Aloud songs.