Nine workers at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary have raised over £6,000 for Hospice at Home North Carlisle and North Lakeland.
The group, who work for contractors Mitie at the hospital, completed a challenging five-day Hadrian’s Wall walk in September.
Led by Derek Lightfoot, the team — Deborah Macleod, Helen Austin, Darren Wharton, Mark Armstrong, Joanne Arnot, Eileen White, Lynette Wilkinson, and Holly Clark — took on the full Hadrian’s Wall route.
Choosing the tougher path up and over rather than around, they covered 88 miles.
What began as a conversation within Mitie three years ago — an idea brought to life this year following a personal challenge the team wished to take on — became a powerful fundraising mission for a local cause close to their hearts.
“It was important to us that we supported a truly local charity,” said the Mitie team. “We were surprised by how many people hadn’t heard of Hospice at Home or how much they rely on the community to raise the funds they need each year. We wanted to help change that.”
The team initially set out with the goal of raising £3,000. They more than doubled their target, raising £6,385.50 including Gift Aid.
Mitie supported its staff throughout the challenge, enabling them to take part through their Give a Day volunteering policy, which ensured each participant remained on full pay for the duration of the challenge. Mitie also covered all accommodation and associated costs along the route.
This meant that 100% of the funds raised were donated directly to Hospice at Home.
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland provides free expert nursing, clinical, and emotional support to patients and families across a vast 1,500sq mile area.
The charity also supports those who are bereaved, helping them navigate grief with care and compassion.
Despite receiving limited NHS funding, Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland must raise over 85% of its running costs each year through charitable donations, fundraising activities, and community support.
Kylie Palmer, corporate fundraiser, Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland, said: “A huge thank you to everyone at Mitie, who have provided incredible support to Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland for over 20 years.
“From golf days to challenge events, and each year gifting your time to help with our annual Christmas Tree Appeal, your commitment has been outstanding.
This long-standing partnership highlights just how vital our business supporters are – not only raising essential funds to provide care when it matters most, but also helping us raise awareness across the community.”
