A successful charity fundraising challenge has led to a local business urging others to walk more for health and wellbeing.
The team at Carlisle-based financial planners Stan Sherlock Associates walked 1,000 miles in November in aid of Reiver House Carlisle and the Special Care Baby Unit at the Cumberland Infirmary
Having seen the benefits its brought them, they want to encourage their community to get out and walk more during this third national lockdown.
Emma Sherlock, chief operating officer, said: “Walking is great exercise, and something we can do close to home in our local streets, parks and countryside.
“Having a goal of 1,000 miles helped us get going but we now all want to continue getting our walking miles in each week.
“The team noticed how much fitter and stronger they got as the challenge went on and they also saw a boost to their overall mood and mental health too.”
Bobby Sherlock, director and practice principal, said: “A few of the team ran, but most of us just walked and walked.
“It’s a simple, everyday activity and something we can all do within the current exercise restrictions, either alone, within our family groups or one on one.
“Even when the weather’s terrible, I feel so much better for having been outside, on my feet and away from my desk.”
The inspiration for the challenge was to honour the memory of Luke Graham who died in May last year. Luke was brother to Tom, a mortgage adviser with Stan Sherlock Associates.
Every member of the team joined in and, by the end of the month, they were delighted to have walked 1,050 miles, smashing their fundraising goal which totalled £1,878.65.