A woman whose dying husband was cared for by a Cumbrian charity has urged people to get involved with a fundraising walk.

Josephine Hope, 73, from Belle Vue, Carlisle, developed a personal connection with Hospice at Home when her husband Derek was diagnosed with cancer. He died in 2002 at the age of 61.

The charity has organised a Sunflower Stroll to take place tomorrow September 4 .

Walkers will assemble at Dalston Recreational Centre at 1.30pm, before setting off on an easy going six mile ramble.

Josephine, who has volunteered as a fundraiser for the charity for 12 years and is helping boost support with this week's event, said: "They came and looked after my husband when he was ill.

"We wanted to do it ourselves as a family but we found it was going to be too much to do.

"We knew he didn't have long left so it was important to have him at home with us.

"We got in touch and they had a nurse there that night.

"I am still very, very grateful."

The charity provides palliative care to adults across a 1,500 sq mile area, which stretches from the Scottish Border to Stainmore and from Allonby to Alston.

The flowery theme comes from the adoption of the sunflower as a symbol to represent care providers across the country.

Josephine said she hoped lots of people could attend and added: "Everybody who goes on the walk will get tea and scones.

"We're also going to open up the recreational centre from 3pm to 5pm and people can come for refreshments.

The charity needs to raise a massive £16,558 each week to continue to provide and improve their service.

The walk entry fee is £10 per adult, £5 per child, under 5’s free and £25 per family.

There will be a fee of £3 for people just attending the coffee morning at Dalston Recreational Centre.

Anyone who wants to get involved can contact the Hospice at Home fundraising office at 01768 210719 or visit www.hospiceathome.co.uk