MONEY raised in memory of a tragic Windermere sailor has been ringfenced to help local youngsters achieve their seafaring dreams.

Residents in the South Lakeland town who otherwise could not afford the tuition are now guaranteed to benefit from a share of the Michael Hanlon Bursery Fund, set up following the death of Michael ‘Milo’ Hanlon, who died last year in the south of France at the age of 22.

“After the tragedy we were all united in wanting Milo’s energy and extraordinary character to be celebrated and remembered,” said Emma Baggett, cadetship manager at sailing charity, UKSA.

“By creating the Bursary, young people are able to walk in Milo’s footsteps onto exciting and challenging careers, carrying on where Milo was not able to.”

She explained that as a ‘thank you’ for the wave of support received from people in Michael’s beloved home-town of Windermere, the UKSA has pledged financial assistance to suitable local candidates who apply for training.

Talented watersports instructor and newly-qualified yachtmaster, Michael, had just begun the ‘career of his dreams’ when he died last April, in water at the port of Antibes.

Since then local people have united to help raise money in his memory and at the request of his family, the cash was poured into the bursary fund for young people like him, who are passionate about the water but are unable to afford the training they need to get started.

The fund was recently boosted by a ball that took place at the Low Wood Hotel in Windermere, to mark the anniversary of Michael’s death, which raised almost £14,000.

The total raised in his name so far is £34,000.

Ms Baggett continued: “We would like to express our huge thanks to everyone from the Lakes who supported this event, and to Milo’s family and friends who have tirelessly raised money towards such an amazing cause in tribute to him.”

The UKSA now has six bursaries left to allocate for the 2014 intake of their world-renowned four-year cadetship.

For further details contact UKSA’s career advisors on 01983-203 038 or email careers@uksa.org To donate to the bursary fund visit www.justgiving.com/MichaelMiloHanlon