The McGee bro’s Cumbrian Way 100k ultra marathon

The McGee bro’s Cumbrian Way 100k ultra marathon

100k in a day for Carers Support South Lakes because we feel carers are the unheard key workers.

In just under 6 weeks we (Billy and Eugene McGee), will be attempting our first ultra marathon. As amateur runners at best, this is a huge ask but for a cause we feel is underrepresented in mainstream media and society itself; stay at home carers. An invisible work force caring for loved ones at home, unpaid, unheard and often sacrificing their own quality of life.

Carer Support South Lakes is a charity that supports full-time unpaid Carers of all ages from 5 to 95. These individuals go largely unnoticed, tending to slip under the radar because their role keeps them at home, out of sight and therefore, out of mind. There are 12,000 unpaid Carers across the county at home looking after a loved one who cannot look after themselves, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to this it is reported that up to 40% of young carers do not disclose their situation. Many suffer physical and mental ill-health, financial difficulties, loss of freedom, isolation from friends and family and time out of education as a direct result of their caring role. CSSL supports them as they try to navigate the uncertain road before them.

Our run will combine trail running and power hiking to navigate the southern 100k of the Cumbrian Way, reaching altitudes of 1880ft, traversing fells and meandering through the valleys of the Lake District. We will be attempting to complete the mission true to the cut off time of the traditional Cumbrian Way ultra of 27hrs.

Your donation to The Cumbrian Way 100k ultra marathon will help Carer Support South Lakes to continue to offer their regular support services, including Counselling, Sitting Service, Dementia Support Groups and Young Carer activities.

Thank you for helping to make Caring more visible and enhancing the lives of unpaid Carers throughout the South Lakes.

We hugely appreciate any donations and assure you we will be pushing 100% of the way!

Lockdown Creativity Raises £200 for Local Carers

Lockdown Creativity Raises £200 for Local Carers

An Ambleside resident used her design talents to raise funds for Kendal-based charity, Carer Support South Lakes during the lockdown.
 
Annie Woods, who works for local business FAB Interiors, used her spare time while furloughed to sell handmade earrings via social media platform, Instagram. For every pair sold Annie donated £2 to the charity. With her sales soon reaching 100 pairs the donation topped £200.
 
“I started the little business in May, at the height of lockdown, and built up a following from as far away as Jersey. Each pair was packaged up and sent off with a handwritten thank you,” said Annie.
 
“Giving part of the profits to Carer Support South Lakes was my way of recognising the fantastic contribution that unpaid Carers make to our communities. My Grandad had vascular dementia and my Granny became his Carer for a number of years before he passed away, so I appreciate how difficult but how important unpaid caring really is.”
 
Carer Support South Lakes is the only Carer support charity in South Lakeland. It helps around 1,250 unpaid Carers, aged between six and 98-years old. They offer Carer assessments, help Carers understand their rights, and deliver vital services such as counselling, group sessions and a sitting service to give unpaid Carers much-needed respite.
 
“I’m really pleased to know that the money will support people from my local community. Carers looking after family and friends get very little recognition so I’m pleased that my few weeks of creativity will help them in a small way.” Concluded Annie.