THE chief exec of Carers Support South Lakes hopes his alternative three peaks challenge, to summit Kendal castle 111 times in 24hrs, will raise over £1,000 for unpaid carers and warrant an entry in the Guinness Book of Records.
Mike Seaton, who sets off on Saturday 13 June, explains what’s happening: “As a charity we need to raise £75,000 to fund the free support we give unpaid carers in the South Lakes area. But our sponsored events have been cancelled, our collection tins are empty, and local groups that raise money for us are not meeting, so there’s no money coming in.
“I have been inspired by our determined supporters and their alternative fundraisers. So when my Three Peaks Challenge, to mark my 50th, was cancelled I looked for a local work-around. I plan to climb Kendal Castle hill 111 times in 24hrs at the end of Carers Week (Mon 8 to Sun 14 June). If successful I hope to make it into the Guinness Book of Records,” added Mike.
Originally Mike Seaton had hoped to raise £500 pounds but pledges totalling nearly £1,000 have already been made. Donations help fund free group activities for young carers, provide a free sitting and counselling service and free support groups.
Mike Seaton says there are 6.5 million carers across the UK, and Carer Support South Lakes help approximately 10% of the known, 12,000 unpaid carers in the South Lakes area.
“Carers make a huge contribution to our health and care system and to our society but they are largely invisible,” says Mike.
Carers look after family or friends with a disability, mental or physical illness and those who need extra help as they get older. Carers can be as young as five or well into their nineties, although most are middle-aged, and all are unpaid. The 2014 Care Act ensures carers have rights and access to their own support, information and advice but Mike Seaton thinks many don’t realise this.
Mike Seaton says carers are facing even more challenges because of Covid 19 and the charity is working hard to adapt its support so it can carry on being there for carers, alleviating their isolation and stress. The practical, community based charity relies on volunteers and a small team of 14 professionals to provide a service to carers.
“We’re using Carers Week to fundraise, highlight and celebrate the massive contribution that thousands of unpaid carers make in South Lakeland,” adds Mike.
For more information about Carer Support South Lakes visit https://carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk/. To find out about Mike’s challenge click HERE.
