THERE would be a ‘ large impact’ on a youth charity’s services without cash raised by K2B and and C2B walkers.

Barrow-based Youth Ability Youth Services will be just one of the around 300 charities who are benefitting from this year’s annual event.

Talking about the continued support from residents across the county, Project Manager Les McLeese said: “As a new independent charity. We rely very heavily on the support of the general public and fundraising events such as the K2B.

“This is one of the biggest fundraisers we take part in throughout the year and without it would have a large impact on our service.

“We have a fantastic community in the Furness and surrounding area that always go above and beyond to help us.

“From people taking part in the walk for us, volunteers giving their support on the day and the general public clapping the walkers along the route.”

This year 38 people have chosen Youth Ability of their sponsored charity.

Les said: “This is lower than expected but a lot of our walkers took part in the September walk.

“It can be hard for walkers to commit to raising money especially with the current living crisis.

“We have been taking part in the walks now for over 10 years and had some walkers that return every year for us. Over the years we have raised thousands of pounds for our charity and the local pool of fundraising.”

Youth Ability provide an inclusive service for young people and their families across South Cumbria.

And events like the Coniston and Keswick to Barrow are ‘more important than ever’ to deliver services.

Les said: “We would like to thank all those that have given their time again or their first time.

“We understand that times have been hard over the past few years and we are so grateful for all those giving their time and effort.

“We understand some may struggle and may not complete it ,however their courage to take on the challenge is enough to be a winner in our eyes.

“We wish all the other charity walkers all the best and good luck.”