CARLISLE Mencap is inviting people to join them on a spectacular guided walk across Morecambe Bay this summer to raise vital funds for the charity.
They hope it will be a welcome breath of fresh air once the coronavirus crisis has subsided.
The plan is for people to take part in one of the famous guided walks across the sands on Sunday, July 19, to help the charity in its quest to raise £30,000 towards the running costs of its Grace Little Centre for children in north Carlisle.
The walk would set off from Arnside, Cumbria, at 4.30pm and, depending on the route taken, will last three to four hours and by six to eight miles long before finishing at Kent’s Bank in Lancashire. The walk is suitable for any children and adults in reasonably good health who are happy walking up to four hours.
To take part, walkers will be invited to get sponsorship of at least £50 – or pay a flat fee of £50. Coach travel for 34 people is available to and from Carlisle for an extra £7 per person.
Sheila Gregory, chief executive officer of Carlisle Mencap, said: “This is a marvellous – and healthy – way to raise money for a very good cause. These walks are internationally famous because of the scenery and wildlife you encounter.
“More importantly, you will be helping raise vital funds for our Grace Little Centre. Running costs are £150,000 every year and due to austerity and cuts in funding, we have been subsidising the centre to the tune of £30,000 a year from our own reserves, which just isn’t sustainable. And because of the coronavirus crisis we have had to cancel several fundraising events so this is why this event, which we fervently hope will go ahead, is even more important and vital than usual.”
People have been crossing the Morecambe Bay sands with a royally-appointed guide since the 1500s.
To take part, or to find out more, please contact the charity’s events and fundraising officer Phil Taylor on 01228 674393 or by email at [email protected] and you can find out more about the event by going to the charity’s website at www.carlislemencap.co.uk
Closing date to register for the event is 5pm Monday April 20 but it is first come first served with regards those who require coach travel on the day. But as with all events, with regards to the coronavirus crisis, it could be subject to change so please make sure you check on the Carlisle Mencap website and/or the Guided Walks Across The Sands Trust site at http://www.guideoversands.co.uk/events/
