SISTERS who are set to take on the mighty Keswick to Barrow walk tomorrow are appealing for sponsors after a generous benefactor offered to double any amount they raise up to £20,000.

Kelly Wielkopolska, 38, and Lisa Wicks, 42, have already generated hundreds of pounds for their chosen charity; St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston, in memory of their beloved dad Tony Wicks.

But the pair are now hoping more people will step in to boost their total with extra sponsorship, however small, in a bid to secure as much money for Ulverston's hospice as possible.

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With trainers at the ready ahead of a 2.45am alarm for this morning's Happy Bus from Barrow, which drove them to the start line of the unique 43-mile ultra walk in Keswick, Mrs Wielkopolska said: "St Mary's Hospice at Home team were invaluable to us and they gave my dad his final wish – which was to be at home when he died.

"We can't thank them enough for what they did, and we want them to continue to be able to provide the service for other people who need them."

The graphic design boss added: "But someone we know, who wants to remain anonymous, has now come forward and pledged to double whatever Lisa and I raise in sponsorship up to a total of £10,000 each so we're hoping even more people will give a few pounds to increase our total."

Tony Wicks died at his Dane Ghyll home in September, three years after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.

The 63-year-old was described as "a real character" who fought his illness to spend as much time with his wife Linda and family as possible.

"We thought he would have more time than he did," Mrs Wielkopolska added.

"I know how proud of us he would have been.

"We were really pleased with how much we've received in sponsorship so far, but with someone offering to double it, we have the opportunity of raising as much as £40,000 between us for St Mary's.

"We're looking forward to completing the walk now and we hope people will help us to raise as much as possible for the hospice that helps so many people in this area."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mrs Wielkopolska can do so by going to www.keswicktobarrow.co.uk, clicking on 'donate' and typing in her full name.

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