Sir - I wonder how many thousands of your readers still value school memories of skills learned and challenges faced whilst caving, canoeing, climbing or orienteering during outdoor education weeks, particularly at one of Oxfordshire's excellent outdoor learning centres?

If they went to Woodlands at Glasbury-on-Wye over the last 20 years, they may well remember facing those experiences with Dave Thorne, an inspiring instructor who sadly died in a canoeing accident in January 2007.

Now there is a chance to acknowledge those memories by contributing to a memorial for Dave: the Dave Thorne Bursary will support disadvantaged children whose families cannot afford the fees (now £230) for this often life-changing experience. Dave Barber, a Woodlands colleague, will be running the London Marathon on April 13, with sponsorship establishing the fund, giving every child a chance for adventure'.

You can sponsor on line (www.justgiving.com/davethorne bursary) or send a cheque payable to Oxfordshire Outdoor Learning Trust, under whose auspices the fund will be administered c/o 9 Wykeham Crescent, Oxford OX4 3SD. Sponsorship forms are also available.

Lesley Williams, Secretary to the Trustees, Oxfordshire Outdoor Learning Trust