FAMILY and friends of a 17-year-old from Carnforth, selected for the BBC Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge, are holding a fundraising coffee morning at Yealand Village Hall on Saturday 2 November (10-12noon).
As Josh Marshall counts down to the start of his incredible challenge, joining The One Show’s Matt Baker and five other young people, mum and dad Lisa and Darren are busy organising and baking for their BBC Children in Need fundraiser.
Lisa says it helps that Darren is a professional chef and that neighbours and friends are on hand to help out to, the coffee morning is a way of supporting Josh’s challenge, involving eight hard days of pedalling, and she hopes it will raise awareness of Carer Support South Lakes. The charity put Josh forward for the BBC Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge, as one of the young carers they help.
Lisa said: “Josh helps us look after his younger brother Jacob who needs around the clock care. This year has really tough for all of us, and particularly for Josh in his last year of GCSEs at QES in Kirkby Lonsdale. The news that he had been selected for the Rickshaw Challenge, along with the offer of a gardening apprenticeship at Levens Hall, has been brilliant. We are so proud of him.
“We are also really grateful that Carer Support South Lakes have been there for Josh over the years, going into his school, and providing him with breaks through events and activities they organise. This has only been made possible because they get a grant from BBC Children in Need.
“Joining us on Saturday is Debi Marsden from Carer Support South Lakes and some of the young carers. Hopefully not everyone will be watching England play rugby in the World Cup and we will see many people popping in to raise funds for Children in Need.”
Mike Seaton, chief executive officer from Kendal based Carer Support South Lakes, said: “Josh is a remarkable young man, we are so proud of him and we will be rooting for him on this challenge. The BBC Children in Need grant makes a big difference to the many young carers we support, some who are as young as five-years-old. Our three-year grant of £79,542, comes to an end next year so we are looking for new income to continue this vital service.”
The Rickshaw Challenge team set off from Holyhead on Friday 8th November with their 400 mile route ending at BBC Elstree Studios on Friday 15th November during the BBC Children in Need Appeal Show.
For more information about Josh and Carer Support South Lakes visit: https://carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk/
