A CHARITY has paid tribute to everyone taking part in the K2B and C2B this weekend.

St Mary’s Hospice is just one of the charities who will be benefitting from this year’s event.

Around 180 people will be walking for St Mary’s. A staggering £177,673 from the K2B has been raised for St Mary’s since 2008.

In 2019 more than 350 charities had benefitted from donations made through the event, with a grand total of £379,666 raised.

This year around 300 approved charities will be benefitting from fundraising through the K2B. The money raised by committed walkers and generous donators will be dished out to vital charities in what is an important day in the fundraising calender for many organisations. The walk started in 1967 and it has so far raised more than £3.75 million for good causes across Cumbria.

A spokesperson for St Mary’s Hospice said: “Covid shone a spotlight on how vulnerable some of our income streams are.

“Cost of living is increasing and life somehow feels very uncertain for so many.

“All of St Mary’s services are free to access but they are not free to run.

“It costs £3.5 million per year and we know there is more we can do for our community.

“The continued support we receive from our community has never been so vital and we are honoured and appreciate every single penny that we receive. Together we do and will continue to make a difference when it matters most.”

St Mary’s Hospice provides care and comfort for patients living with any life-shortening illness or long term condition and their family. It supports people from the moment of diagnosis and their families for longer.

Paying tribute to the 180 people raising money for the service this year, a spokesperson said: “Since 2008 K2B have raised a staggering £177,673 for the hospice.

“A huge and heartfelt thank you.

“St Mary’s exists to support local people and their families but we only exist because of the support we receive.

“Thank you for your support, you are our heroes. Thank you for helping us to make a difference.”

People can no longer register to take part in the K2B AND C2B taking place this weekend but people can still show their support by standing along the route and donating to the approved charities.