THE second fundraising walk from Keswick to Kendal for Unpaid Carers has a special meaning this month.

Both West, Carers Support South Lakes based in Kendal and Cumbrian Carers, which covered Keswick are celebrating special anniversaries - 30 years of supporting Unpaid Carers in their areas.

The fundraising event, known as the K2K, has been organised by Stuart Graves, to raise awareness of Unpaid Carers, particularly male Carers.

Stuart said: "The past two years have proved to all of us the importance of having a network of contacts in our daily lives and that is just on our personal and social networks.

"So, imagine as a Carer being presented with total lockdowns with no opportunity to meet face to face. That’s what faced the Male Carer’s Support Group, as it did others. 

"Having become used to meeting face to face on a regular basis, to have that severely limited was at best an obstacle and at worst isolation for our members.

"It has been a real battle for so many unpaid Carers, struggling to look after their Cared For on their own for months on end with no opportunity for respite. The men and women who will join me in this K2K will be walking to acknowledge that struggle and to help make others more aware.

"Carer Support South Lakes (CSSL) supports over 1,200 unpaid Carers of all ages- men and women, boys and girls who look after a loved one, often full-time, without payment. Their role is vital to the health and well-being of their Cared For but more often than not, it goes completely unseen.

"CSSL supports my role as a full-time Unpaid male Carer. I have been fortunate in being able to volunteer for the charity and lead their Men's Support Group."

This year's K2K will take place on Saturday, June 11, following on from the National Carers Week.