ORGANISERS of the Keswick to Barrow are urging people to dig deep and support local charities and good causes during what has been a challenging year.

The annual 40-mile-walk, which involves thousands of walkers, will not be going ahead as planned in September, but instead, two teams from BAE Systems and the Navy will be going head to head in the Resolution Cup.

Whichever team makes it over the finish line first on September 26 will be crowned the winners.

Money that has already been raised by walkers who were ready to take on the mammoth route this year will be carried over to the May 2021 Keswick to Barrow.

With only the Resolution Cup challenge going ahead, the walks committee have now set up a single fund in which all money that is raised will be split between a number of charities and good causes in the area that have been impacted the most by the coronavirus pandemic.

And with only eight weeks to spare, they are urging the public to donate to the fund and support causes across Cumbria.

The fund is available to donate to through text, or by visiting the Keswick to Barrow website.

Rachael Hales from the Keswick to Barrow committee, said: "Everyone has been greatly affected by the Covid Crisis and while the majority of us have been able to help by staying safe and at home, there are many charities and good causes in the area that have doubled their efforts in order to help out.

"At this time, when they are working so hard, opportunities to fund raise to support these efforts have greatly reduced so this is our way of trying to help fill that gap.

"We hope the local community will get behind the two teams that are walking this year to raise those all important funds so we can help as many as possible."

Many charities will take a hit on the amount of money they would usually receive from the event, but are understanding of the decision.

Gill Jepson, of Dystonia UK said: "A sensible and not unexpected decision. Dystonia Society and Furness Abbey Fellowship fully support this decision and we will continue to support Keswick to Barrow when things are back to normal.

"Bigger and better after the pandemic is finally under control. Well done K2B committee for making a very difficult decision."

To donate to the 2020 fund, visit the Keswick to Barrow website at: www.keswick2barrow.co.uk/donate2020

Alternatively, you can donate via text message, by texting K2B20 to 70970 to donate £5, or by texting K2B20 to 70191 to donate £10.

The full list of charities and good causes in the area that will benefit from the 2020 fund is yet to be revealed.