New Trust Fund launched in memory of Co Antrim woman Lynda Bentham to support families living with MS

A new charitable Trust Fund has been established in memory of Lynda Bentham, aiming to support families navigating the realities of Multiple Sclerosis by helping them access practical support and create meaningful shared experiences.

Lynda, who passed away in 2024 due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis, is remembered for her deep love of life, people, music, sport and travel. Sunshine holidays held a special place in her life, but as her condition progressed, finding suitable accommodation in preferred destinations became increasingly difficult.

The newly created LB Trust has been set up to turn those challenges into something positive for others. Its focus is on providing practical assistance to families who have a loved one living with MS or other long-term illnesses and disabilities. This includes helping families access appropriate holiday accommodation to spend time together, as well as offering support with essential home adaptations to ease daily life.

The initiative reflects Lynda’s warmth, joy and resilience, with those behind the Trust seeking to transform her experiences into a lasting source of support, comfort and opportunity for others.

Joe Bentham, speaking on behalf of The LB Trust Fund, said:

“Throughout the years we experienced many challenges finding suitable holiday accommodation, but we always tried to make the most out of every trip.

Eventually, we were fortunate enough to have our own apartment in Tenerife. This was ‘Lynda’s Place in the Sun’ and was a key driver for creation of the LB Trust.

“I know many families face similar difficulties, and I hope this Trust will help remove some of those barriers.”

He added:

“The LB Trust is a way of honouring Lynda while helping other families create precious memories of visits to beautiful places. The aim is to put ‘smiles on faces,’ even if it is only for a limited time.

“While creating opportunities for families to share a cherished holiday means so much, we also want to be there for the problems of everyday MS life, offering support, for example with home adaptations that can bring comfort, dignity and convenience to their lives.”

The fund has been developed in partnership with the Community Foundation, which will support its delivery and administration.

Richard Rogers, Grants Manager at the Community Foundation, said:

“We are proud to work with Joe to develop this new fund. His passion for helping families going through experiences similar to those that Lynda faced is incredibly moving.

“It is hoped to share experiences learned and provide support to others wherever possible.

“Ultimately, the aim of the LB Trust will be to offer meaningful, practical help to those affected by MS and other long-term illnesses and disabilities.”

He confirmed that the first steps are already underway, adding:

“Initially, we plan to invite local MS support groups to refer families to the Fund and aim to make the first awards later this year.”

Together, those behind the LB Trust hope Lynda’s story will continue to make a difference — helping other families facing MS create moments of comfort, connection and joy, even in the most challenging circumstances.

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At a glance

• A new LB Trust Fund has been launched in memory of Lynda Bentham

• Lynda passed away in 2024 due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis

• The Trust aims to support families living with MS and other long-term illnesses

• Support includes access to suitable holiday accommodation and home adaptations

• The initiative is inspired by challenges Lynda faced, particularly with travel

• The fund is being developed with the Community Foundation

• Local MS support groups will be invited to refer families

• First awards are expected to be made later this year