Supporters of a charity that supports unpaid carers in South Lakeland has raised around £5,000 by walking 30 miles from Keswick to Kendal.
Known as the K2K challenge, the annual walk was started by a male unpaid carers group in 2021, and this year, they were joined by members of the public and a team from the Barclays Bank Kendal branch.
From the seven walkers who took part in the original fundraiser, the number has grown to 25 people this year, and co-organiser Stuart Graves hopes to increase that number next year.
Stuart said: “The aim was to raise awareness of the male unpaid carers, many of whom are looking after a relative or friend alone, and funds for Carer Support South Lakes, who do an amazing job of supporting unpaid carers.
“It can be very isolating being an unpaid carer, and we men are not so good at saying how we feel.
“When we started the Male Carers Group, there were eight or nine of us. Now, we have about 50 men in the group. We meet up once a month, and it provides a short break.
“The Keswick to Kendal Challenge is a 30-mile walk and takes in six lakes, and it is mostly on footpaths and bridleways – but you don’t have to walk the whole route – you can put together a relay team and split it up.
“We are delighted to have raised so much money for Carer Support South Lakes and are already thinking about next year’s event on June 7 – which falls between National Volunteers Week and National Carers Week.”
CEO of Carer Support South Lakes, Debi Marsden, said: “We are so grateful to the Male Carers Group for organising the Keswick to Kendal Challenge, which has become a big part of our year and annual fundraising.
“Our Male Carers Group has gone from strength to strength and gives the men a break from caring and chance to talk to others who are also caring for a friend or family member.”
Plans are already being made for next year’s K2K Challenge, and individuals or groups who would like to take part can contact Carer Support South Lakes to register their interest now.
More information about the support and advice available from carer support organisations across Cumbria and volunteering and fundraising opportunities is available from Carer Support Cumbria at https://www.carerssupportcumbria.co.uk
