WALKERS and fundraisers are being urged to Step up to the Plate as a north Cumbrian charity launches a brand new challenge.

Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland hopes to raise more than £25,000 through the event, which will see people complete more than 20 miles along the Ullswater Way. The money raised could directly deliver hours of vital hospice care in more than 700 patients’ homes each year.

Sponsored by architects Unwin Jones Partnership, Step up to the Plate is also supported by a range of local eateries, with samples of Cumbrian delicacies being offered along the route.

The event starts from Pooley Bridge, and participants will walk in an anticlockwise direction over famous Wainwright Gowbarrow and onto the spectacular waterfalls of Aira Force before a pit stop at Glenridding. They will then continue, heading back northwards along and above the shores of Ullswater towards Howtown, visiting the Cockpit before heading back to Pooley Bridge with a well-earned tipple and hot meal waiting at the finish line.

There is also a shorter 10-mile route available, starting at Pooley Bridge and finishing at Glenridding, with return transport to Pooley Bridge provided.

The walk has also been deemed dog friendly, with treats and hydration stations on offer for all four-legged friends.

Jez Marvin, director at Unwin Jones Partnership, said: “We are very proud to sponsor Step up to the Plate. As a business we are committed to supporting causes that directly benefit members of the local community which include our friends, families, employees and clients.

“Hospice at Home provide an incredibly important service to those with palliative and end of life care needs and so it’s our pleasure to sponsor this fantastic event to help raise funds and awareness for such a vital cause.

“The team is looking forward to joining Hospice at Home for this special challenge and wish the best of luck to all those who take part.”

Julie Blundell, Head of Income Generation and Marketing for Hospice at Home, said: “Step up to the Plate is a brand new Hospice at Home challenge for 2019.

“We wanted to celebrate all things Cumbrian and couldn’t think of a better place than Ullswater, which is situated in the heart of our clinical services delivery area.

“We encourage families, friends and work colleagues with or without their dogs to get involved; you can be assured your commitment and generosity will help make a difference to future local patients, families and carers.

“Don’t delay, please register now and spread the word of this local event where every penny raised goes back into our community.”

It costs £30 to register for either the 20-mile or 11-mile route, but 14 to 17-year-olds can walk for free with an accompanying adult.

Entry includes delicious Cumbrian refreshments, a t-shirt, water bottle, marshal support on route and a hearty meal at the finish. Each adult participant is asked to raise £125 and a fundraising pack is provided to give various ideas and sponsorship forms.

To register online, visit www.hospiceathome.co.uk, call 01768 210719, email fundraising@hospiceathome.co.uk or drop in at the Carlisle, Wigton or Penrith Hospice at Home Shops.