Over 100 stepped up to raise funds!
103 walkers took part in charity challenge Step up to the Plate on Saturday to help raise £25,000 of vital funds for local charity Hospice at Home Carlisle & North Lakeland.
The 21 mile challenge sponsored by architects Unwin Jones Partnership who also entered a team in the event, took place around the stunning Ullswater Way route, with the added advantage of the summer sunshine to bolster spirits.
New for 2019, Step up to the Plate was a unique event for the charity, combining a physical challenge and a local twist with thanks to support from a host of local food businesses offering participants a true taste of Cumbria along the route. Participants of the four legged variety were also out in force to help raise funds, they were cheered on from the start line by local celebrities Max, Paddy and Harry alongside their owner Kerry who offered out doggy treats and photo opportunities with the adorable Springer Spaniels.
Starting out at Pooley Bridge, following a breakfast kindly donated by Starfruits and Traybakes, the walkers proceeded in an anti-clockwise direction around the lake.
The samples of local delicacies available at dedicated stations along the route kept spirits high and included a Gingerbread Bridge biscuit from Granny Dowbekins, a sausage roll from Burbushes, an Ice-Cream from Abbott Lodge Jersey Ic-Cream and of course dog teats courtesy of Arcade Pet Store in Penrith, before arriving at Glenridding for a light lunch of homemade vegetable soup and bread supplied by the Inn on the Lake.
A small group of walkers ended their experience at the half way point including supporters Les Dobson and Dot Tudhope who completed the challenge together raising over £1,200 in donations so far “It’s been a fabulous day for such a worthwhile charity, we volunteer our time for Hospice at Home but we have been blown away by the support to help us raise funds.” The majority of walkers then went on to complete the full route, enjoying canapés courtesy of Pete Sidwell Keswick Cookery School, homemade cakes by Lynn and Kendal Mint cake from Romney’s before crossing the finish line at Pooley Bridge. Walkers were welcomed by a celebratory Gin and Tonic from Chestnut House, a well-earned hot meal prepared by local caterer Brian Humes Catering Service with supplies from the Pioneer and Bells, and a sweet treat of Fudge from the Toffee Shop.
All walkers agreed it was a challenging route, praising the organisation of the event. Julie Blundell, Head of Income Generation and Marketing at the charity shared thanks “Hospice at Home would like to sincerely thank everyone involved for making this day such a huge success. The walkers were fantastic and took on the challenge in hot conditions. We are also very fortunate to have received wonderful support and expertise from Richard Kealey the lead Marshal and local volunteers who led the walks and marshalled on route. Further volunteers helped by registering participants and provided catering support – the event couldn’t have happened without these generous people. We would also like to thank Unwin Jones Partnership for sponsoring the event; their financial support has meant all the funds raised from the event can be allocated solely to provide care for patients and their families. Thank you to all!”
Hospice at Home receive over 700 new patient referrals to their service each year and need to fundraise over £18,000 each week to continue delivering vital care and support to patients and their families, to learn more, refer to the service or to donate visit www.hospiceathome.co.uk.
