THE family of a young Tadcaster man who died after falling from the roof of a chalet in the French Alps have set up a charitable trust in his memory.

The Ed De Nunzio Charitable Trust has given out its first three grants to worthy projects in the York area, including a scheme aimed at improving the life chances of homeless young people.

Edward De Nunzio, a former pupil of Bootham School, died in the accident while attending a course to qualify as a ski instructor last year.

His mother, Julie, said that she, her husband, Tony, and daughter, Sophie, had decided to launch a charitable trust to raise funds for local charities helping young people, which Ed would have approved of.

“We wanted to do something positive, and something which would help ensure Ed was not forgotten,” she said.

“Ed was a really lovely young man who had lots of opportunities, who was going to go to university after taking a gap year. We don’t want people to forget him.”

The grants have gone to Snappy, the charity for disabled young people, The Island, a mentoring service for young people, and SASH, which helps accommodate homeless people aged 16 to 24 in the homes of volunteer “hosts”.

SASH has recently launched a new project to improve such young people’s self-esteem, confidence and employability skills through a weekly programme of outdoor activities.

A group has been working at Bootham Stray community gardens to prepare some raised beds designed for use by disabled gardeners.

Adele Coupe, of SASH, said the £8,885 grant meant it could run the project throughout 2013.

“We’re keen to give them as many opportunities as possible to get involved with the local community, so we’re starting our gardening activities by working on an area at the Bootham Stray community garden.

“This will be a chance for them to learn the basics, and they’re also looking forward to doing something that will be useful to others.

“In time, we’d like to move on to taking responsibility for our own plot so that the group can grow their own veg.”

Mrs De Nunzio said the trust had been set up to help other young people lead rich and rewarding lives and fulfil their potential, and SASH’s work fitted the criteria perfectly.

• For more information about the new charitable trust, go to eddenunziocharitabletrust.btck.co.uk/