Ambleside residents brave rain to raise money for hospice

Kirkstone Rotary’s Pink 5k event took place on Sunday, September 24, and raised money for St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston.

Despite the horrendous weather working against them, 52 participants walked or ran the course which started and finished at Ambleside Parish Church while going past Under Loughrigg and Pelter Bridge.Participants were invited to dress in their pink attire for the run (Image: Allison Peak)

Allison Peak, from Kirkstone Rotary, said: "Ambleside Parish Centre is a great venue for community events such as our Pink5K with everyone enjoying tea, scones and a sociable chat afterwards.

"Many people live alone so Rotary’s Pink5K's are important for social isolation too."

To date their efforts have raised in excess of £3,200 for St Mary's with Ms Peak giving thanks to Inn Collection & JT Atkinson for their sponsorship.

Foxghyll Country House B&B donated the proceeds of their ice-cream sales to the cause as well.

People of all ages got involved to help the hospice (Image: Allison Peak)

Richard Cogger, area fundraising manager for St Mary's, added: "We are always incredibly grateful for the support from the local communities in which we serve. 

"Eight out of every 10 patients here at the hospice has their care funded by ‘voluntary income’ — this means that without events like these, people making donations, eating at the Orangery or buying from our shops, we wouldn’t be here."

Those involved in the event claimed that they still enjoyed taking part despite the weather.

"Very enjoyable, despite the monsoon, made me go faster, especially with the promise of a cuppa and delicious scones," one said.

Another said: "It was really good to walk the Pink5k despite the rain, otherwise we would have all sat indoors and not had any exercise all day."

Those who took part got to enjoy sweet treats afterwards (Image: Allison Peak)

The fundraising efforts coincided with St Mary's thank you week, which involves the team going into the Furness and South Lakes areas to show their gratitude to supporters.