Tributes paid to Carlisle Key founder Graeme Ridgewell

The charity leader, community advocate, and Church of Scotland elder passed away on October 17.

Born in Chelmsford, Essex, in July 1953, Graeme was involved with the Young Liberals and began his professional journey in biochemistry before finding his true calling in social work.

He moved to Elgin in 1979 to begin his first social work position, eventually relocating to Carlisle in 1992, where he took on a social care role at the hospital under the Community Care Act and settled into life as a father to Ewan and Tanya.

One of Graeme's most enduring legacies is his work with Carlisle Key, a charity he co-founded in 1997.

Graeme and family during son Ewan's graduation (Image: Supplied)

As the charity grew, he continued his role as chair, dedicating his life to helping disadvantaged and vulnerable youth.

Carlisle Key, which became a registered charity in 2003, supports young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

"He was so well-known by so many,” said his wife, Rhiannon. “He was a good man. His whole life was to serve others.

“He was an outstanding figure of the community who will be greatly missed by many.”

Carlisle Key was first set up as a drop-in centre, providing support to around 200 youths per year. 

The charity's CEO, Diana Vlad, said: “He wasn’t just the chair of the charity, he was really involved in the young people’s lives.

“I think he was so passionate about helping young people with his background as a social worker here in Carlisle.

“He knew the importance of the work of Carlisle Key.

“He was really caring, he had his own humour, he was amazing," she said. 

Whilst the charity has faced difficulties over the years, Graeme was particularly 'proud' of the group's housing project that was established in 2019. 

Graeme passed away on October 17th. (Image: Supplied)

In addition to his work with Carlisle Key, Graeme was an active supporter of the Carlisle One World Centre and helped establish Carlisle’s World Shop, a fair-trade initiative, and was also involved with Doves Cafe. 

Each Saturday, he could be found at the weekly Carlisle Palestinian Group vigil.

Outside of his advocacy work, Graeme enjoyed Scottish and English country dancing as well as cycling. 

His funeral at Carlisle’s Border Kirk drew over 120 people on October 29th. 

Donations made in his memory raised £1,175 for Carlisle Key, funds that will go toward supporting the charity’s ongoing work with at-risk youth.

His legacy continues through the Carlisle charity and the 'countless lives he touched'.