Hotel staff from across the Lake District are gearing up for a mammoth charity walk.
They aim to complete the 73-mile Cumbria Way over five days, some walkers tackling the full route, others taking part in sections and they’ll be led by a walker who is going outside of his comfort zone in a good cause.
Organised by the Lake District Hotels Association, they will be raising money for Hospitality Action, which provides support to members of the hospitality industry who have fallen on hard times, from physical illness or mental health issues to financial difficulty, family problems to addiction.
Last year they raised £10,500 with two walks which started from Borrowdale and Coniston, meeting up at the Langdale Hotel finishing point.
This year they wanted to try something a little different, and more ambitious, and James Hallam Insurance Brokers has joined them as headline sponsors.
The client director with its hospitality and travel team, Craig Shaw, will lead all five sections of the route, from Ulverston to Carlisle.
Craig said: “We work closely with the association and have been one of their sponsors for a number of years. We are heavily involved with the hotel industry and have been headline sponsors of the Independent Hotel Show for 10 years.
“As part of this 10th anniversary, our divisional director, David Noble, challenged his senior team to take up a challenge that is outside their normal comfort zone.
“My idea, alongside Clive Wilson of the association, was to expand on last year’s successful Walk for Wellbeing. And so the seed was sown for me to walk the full length of the Cumbria Way.
“I’m a keen fell walker, and I’m completing my last few Wainwrights, but this is my first venture into long distance walking, hence outside my comfort zone.”
Tracey Cragg, of the association, said: “We are delighted to welcome the support of James Hallam Insurance, and in particular Craig who is going to tackle the entire route.
“This is proving to be a key point on our calendar, an occasion for staff from different locations to meet socially while raising money for a great cause.”
The David Snowdon Trust has donated £5,000 before the walkers have taken a step.
The trust was founded by the Cumbrian businessman 25 years ago and regularly supports causes in higher education, the arts, and social needs including causes alleviating poverty and increasing social mobility in rural areas.
The Lake District Hotels Association represents around 50 independent and branded properties and tourist attractions in Cumbria.
Craig thanked The Langdale Estate, Lake District Hotels and Armathwaite Hall for their assistance with his accommodation along the route.
To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/craig-shaw-cumbriaway
