The legacy of veteran environmental campaigner Fi Radford, who died in November 2020, is to be shared through a memorial fund set up in her name.
Radford, who died of cancer at age 72, was a familiar face to many in Bristol’s climate and environmental movements. Founder of Bristol Environmental Activists Together (BEAT), the indefatigable Radford was also a Green Party member and was involved with groups including Extinction Rebellion, Greenpeace and Grandparents for a Safe Earth.
Upon her death, Radford bequeathed a sum of money intended to support young people to develop confidence and creativity in environmental campaigning. That money became the basis for the Fi Radford Memorial Trust which now offers grants of up to £250.
Chairperson of the Trust and fellow campaigner, Richard Baxter, said: ‘Fi is sadly missed by her family and many friends but she continues to be fondly remembered in our conversations and deeds.
‘Quite often someone will remark, “Fi would love that idea” or we will ask ourselves, “What would Fi do?” She had an amazing capacity to inspire others which was a great asset to the campaigns she took part in.
‘Fi had an eye for what was attention-grabbing, loved engaging people of all ages and did all her activism with style and a disarming smile. She particularly loved it when people of differing ages joined together.’
In April 2019, Radford was arrested on Oxford Circus during XR’s protests in London. Later that year, she gave a TedTalk, now viewed over 10,000 times, in which she implored other older people to become involved in climate activism and for intergenerational solidarity in campaigning.
The memorial fund was set up in a bid to continue Radford’s positive work and passion for the environment, with a focus on engaging and developing young people.
Grants of up to £250 are on offer to support people aged between 11 and 24 to participate in education or campaigning in the areas of climate change and the environment. People from Black, Indigenous & People of Colour (BIPOC) are specifically encouraged to apply.
Ideas for fundable projects range from environmental studies to community projects that tackle the problems associated with the climate emergency or aim to find solutions.
The deadline for applications is Monday 14th November 2022. More information can be found at the Trust’s website.
The Trust is overseen by fellow campaigners and Radford’s two sons.