Fred Story is a prominent Cumbrian entrepreneur who founded Story Construction in 1987, launching the business from a small home office with just three colleagues and early projects around Carlisle. Story Homes and Story Contracting have grown into major regional players in housing development, civil engineering, and infrastructure.
Fred is our longest standing ambassador, having been appointed in 2011. At the time he noted that he thoroughly enjoyed being a Scout himself as did his children, as a former leader he knows what a positive impact Scouting makes on young lives.
Sarah Dunning is the long‑standing leader of the Westmorland Family, the independent Cumbrian business behind Tebay Services, Gloucester Services, and other nationally recognised motorway destinations. She began running the family business in 2005, following several years working in the City, and has since guided its expansion while championing its founding values.
With her own family in Scouts, Sarah noted that Scouting has a huge amount to offer young people and indeed adults in our County. Stating that the Scouts operates very much as a family, an ethos that Westmorland Limited seeks to embrace. She hopes she can encourage more adults to join the fun, so that more young people who are missing out get to enjoy the same adventures as her son.
Born and raised in Cumbria, Mike has lived and worked across the UK and is now based in Carlisle. He began his Scouting journey as a Cub Scout before pursuing his passion for football and broadcasting.
Mike has been all over the place, thanks to radio, doing a multitude of different jobs at all hours of the day, starting his radio career in Lancashire before moving to Viking FM in Hull for his first full-time role. After working in the Midlands and holding senior positions at several stations, he later became a Programme Manager in Guernsey, where he enjoyed both professional success and island life.
He eventually returned home to join BBC Radio Cumbria, pleased to be broadcasting in his home county and closer to Carlisle United.
After more than 15 years building and leading businesses, he gained invaluable experience in leadership, growth, and resilience. When one venture came to an end, it became a turning point, an opportunity to reset, reflect, and rediscover what truly mattered. That path led him to the mountains, where running, guiding, and coaching transformed not only his wellbeing but his outlook on life. There, he learned that the right kind of challenge builds strength, clarity, and purpose.
Now, he helps others embrace growth in their own lives, through mountain experiences and coaching, with a focus on strong bodies, calm minds, and creating a life that feels as good as it looks.
Harrison, aka Fell Foodie, a Cumbrian outdoor cooking expert known for creating restaurant-quality meals in remote locations using minimal equipment, will play an active role in inspiring young people across the county. With a strong following and appearances on national media, he brings a passion for the outdoors, practical skills and wellbeing to the role.
Harrison’s own journey, from overcoming mental health challenges to finding purpose in the outdoors, strongly aligns with Scouts’ focus on building resilience, confidence and wellbeing in young people. His advocacy highlights the positive impact outdoor adventure can have on both physical and mental health.
