Last updated at 15:55, Monday, 26 November 2012

ANYONE cheering on the walkers at this year’s Keswick to Barrow Walk, may have noticed that many on the day were wearing distinctive purple t-shirts emblazoned with the Alice’s Escapes logo.

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One of those doing the K2B for the first time was Cathy Broomfield, a trustee of Alice’s Escapes, and a “Team Alice” member.

She says: “It is the first time I’ve ever done the walk and I really enjoyed it.

“It was an amazing experience to be part of.”

Like anyone who’s done the 40-mile trek, Cathy admits she found parts difficult.

She said: “When I was coming through Dalton it was really hurting but people were there to cheer me on and it really helped me carry on.”

While the support of the crowds kept her going, her main motivation was raising funds for Alice’s Escapes.

She says: “The charity aims to provide complimentary holidays for families with a seriously ill child, mainly in the Lake District.

“We ask local companies to pledge accommodation, or offer vouchers, or tickets, to local attractions or restaurants.

“We will use the money raised by fund-raisers to fill the gaps and create a whole holiday, to fund the extras to make it a really special holiday.”

The Keswick to Barrow was just one of three major challanges members of Team Alice have undertaken this year to raise funds for the new charity.

In October, 15 adventurers climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, East Africa, raising around £50,000.

And in April eight cyclists, including Cathy’s husband Simon, did the gruelling 1,000-mile journey by bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

“The Kili funds are going towards Alice’s Escapes buying our own static caravan, so that even during the busy times in the Lakes we have a permanent base to offer to families.

“It will be sited within the Furness area and it’s a really exciting project,” says Cathy.

Money from the Keswick to Barrow will help to contribute towards making sure new holiday home is fully equipped with everything families need during a stay.

She said: “The money from the Keswick to Barrow is earmarked to be used to deck out the new static caravan with essentials such as flatscreen televisions.”

She said: “It means a lot to get funding from the Keswick to Barrow walk and to benefit from something that we were also involved with.”

First published at 16:31, Friday, 23 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk