Family of Tom Dingle pay loving tribute as fundraising page set up in his name

Thursday, January 22, 2026

The family of a student whose body was tragically found in woodland on Christmas Day have paid a loving tribute to him.

Tom Dingle’s family and friends are raising money in his memory for the Royal British Legion and have set up a JustGiving page. The RBL is a charity close to their hearts and they are convinced that it is what 19-year-old Tom would have wanted.

Before his untimely death, Tom was studying philosophy at Lancaster University and his ambition was to join the army – specifically the Parachute Regiment – once he had completed his degree.

Tom’s body was found in woodland off Lees Lane in Dalton slightly before 3.12pm. His death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file has been passed to HM Coroner.

In a tribute, Tom’s family said: “Tom was an incredibly intelligent and caring young man who had his whole life ahead of him. Tom’s death has left a hole in our hearts which will never be filled. Christmas, and life as a whole, will never be the same without our Tom.

“To honour Tom’s memory, we as a family and Tom’s friends wish to raise money for the Royal British Legion. This is a charity very close to us, and we know it is what Tom would have wanted.

“Finally, we wish to thank the police, the volunteers from Mountain Rescue and all the people of the community and beyond for their incredible help and support.”

Tom’s funeral took place privately yesterday, with only family and friends in attendance. Tom’s family have once again asked for their privacy to be respected as they continue to come to terms with their devastating and unexpected loss.

You can find a link to the JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-davenport-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL