Lorna Grey, who passed away in April 2024 aged 71, was an inspirational and lifelong fundraiser dedicated to local charities and causes. 

She dedicated her life to raising money to causes important to her and was a well-recognised face in Oakham. She volunteered for the Lions Club of Rutland and during the pandemic, she helped run the vaccination clinics. She also served as a town councillor, worked as a teacher at Stamford Endowed Schools and Vale of Catmose College. 

Lorna Grey during one of her self-funded volunteering trips to Give Kids the World in Florida, where she helped to create magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses (Photo: Lorna's Legacy)

Lorna's Legacy was set up in her memory to continue fundraising for the causes that were dear to her. Lorna's family, her husband Allan and daughters Hanna and Lucy, along with the wider community have come together to continue Lorna's hard work. Their first initiative is Lorna's Legacy Presents A Rutland Variety Performance to take place on the evening of Wednesday 23rd July at Oakham School. 

The event will raise money for Supershoes, a charity Lorna supported throughout her life. Supershoes is a small children's charity set up to empower children in the UK fighting cancer. They provide customised shoes created by volunteer artists to encourage the children to get out and about and discover their own super powers. 

The event will feature a full line-up of local musicians, dancers and comedians and local businesses have already begun pledging their support. The night will be hosted by the brilliant Rob Persani from Rutland and Stamford Sound. 

Allan, secretary of the Lions Club of Rutland, said: "Lorna's was a life of helping others. She had managed type 1 diabetes and its complications from the age of 11 and suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2004, yet she still went on to jump 632ft off the Sky Tower in New Zealand, abseil off the Orbit at London's Olympic Park and tackle the world's fastest zipwire in North Wales, all to support charities. She was a committed volunteer for good causes and she continued this until the weeks before she died. 

"Lorna was an inspiration to so many people. As a family, supported by our friends, we feel compelled to honour Lorna's Legacy. We are starting with a variety performance to help Supershoes, a charity which she held dearly." 

For regular updates on the line-up and ticket sales, visit the Lorna's Legacy Facebook Page.