So many of us were shocked and upset to hear of the death from Covid-19 of Catherynn Dunstan, a much-valued friend and colleague.

Until she moved jobs recently, Catherynn was a member of the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce team. She was immensely passionate about the Chamber and Cumbria’s businesses, putting the same energy and enthusiasm into this as she put into all areas of her life. There are thousands of people and businesses across the county who have much to thank her for, whether it was through her enthusiasm for women’s networking and development, supporting with empathy and care those affected by flooding crises, engaging them in the benefits of peer networks or advice schemes or developing and delivering a rewarding and enjoyable training and events programme. As a colleague she was caring, supportive and enthusiastic, and was always ready to step in and help.

Everyone that met Catherine was drawn in by her kind heart, her drive and motivation and her huge personality. Those who have been privileged to have known her felt her infectious energy and pure charm, her wit, her humility, her selflessness, her talent. Catherine excelled in every role that she juggled perfectly: wife to Hayden, Mother to Conah and Nathan, daughter, friend and colleague. She was a wonderful actress - often playing lead role in many shows held at John Peel Theatre, Wigton.

Catherynn was passionate about everything that she did. But more than anything about her boys, Conah and Nathan.

So it would break her heart that that they are now having to cope not only with her loss but also the serious illness of their father, Hayden, who remains very seriously ill with the effects of Covid in intensive care, and the loss to Covid of their grandmother. And, because Hayden (Catherynn’s next of kin) is completely incapacitated the boys are facing the added challenge that they are unable to access Catherynn’s estate or the family’s bank account.

Both Conah and Nathan are still in full-time education so this is placing them in serious financial difficulties, making an extremely tough time even harder.

This page has been set up in memory of Catherynn, by her friends and colleagues from the Chamber, with the aim of providing some financial support to her beloved boys following her recent untimely death.

She was truly inspirational and had so much more to live for. Catherynn’s memory will live on through her wonderful boys. Please give what you can to help them at this difficult time in their lives and as they move forward.

We wish them everything that Catherynn wished for them.