When the world was turned upside down, there was only thing so many of us wanted to do – devote our time to helping others.

And for Scott Walker and his determined team, that’s exactly what happened.

After lending a helping hand at the outbreak of Covid-19, the crew from KAEFER Scaffolding – made up by Gary Barwise, Peter Little, Craig Scott, Jamie Cross, Kevin Steel, Steve Simm and Steve Sorensen (and their two children), Alan Mattinson, Gary Hall, Grant Carson and Shane Padley – looked for a way to help out during the festive season as well.

West Cumbria Community Action Trust was thrilled to be approached, hoping to see as many families fed, cared for and cheered up during the financially and emotionally challenging time.

And thanks to one brilliant sponsored walk, almost £12,000 has been raised – which will fund meals for more than 150 families.

“Helping out with all of this, it really opens your eyes," 46-year-old Scott said.

"You don't realise how many people are struggling, and we're all so glad that we could help.

"We didn't think we would even reach £2,000 with the fundraiser, so to think we might top £12,000 is amazing – everyone's really jumped on the back of it and pulled together."

He added: "Without everyone donating and getting behind us, it would have been impossible to feed so many families and help in such a big way, so everyone who got involved deserves a big pat on the back and a thank you.

"You don't know what people are going through behind closed doors, so if anyone has any issues, they just need to get in touch and we will sort it for them."

To raise the funds, the group walked countless fells – and too many miles for Craig's tired pooch, who completed the challenge from the comfort of his owner's rucksack – with Gary Hall clocking up an impressive 20 miles.

And the support for West Cumbria Community Action Trust didn't end there, with Tim Savage and Barry Acton from Whitehaven Amateur Boxing Club and Luke Johnston and the team at Whitehaven Amateur Football Club also doing their bit, raising vital funds for the festive drive.

Along with another donation from Cumbria O&M Services, thanks to John Garrett and Grant Taylor, eight-year-old Archie Walker also got on board – saving his pocket money for weeks to donate a further £17 to the cause.

Action group trustee, Suzanne Wilson, said: "We are overwhelmed with these incredible people!

"We are already supporting families who, because of their big hearts and hard work, are going to have a much better Christmas."