St Mary’s Walk to Remember raised a staggering £40,000 with more cash still to come in.

Nurses from St Mary’s celebrated with walkers, handing out their sustainably sourced wooden medals at the end of the 10 mile trek between Ulverston and Barrow.

Head of clinical care Rosie Clear, sister Lauren McKenny and nursing associate Kim Everett were delighted to be able to greet those who’d made the effort.

Rosie said: “It was such a pleasure to be able to say thank you to those who’d completed the walk. There was a steady stream of people of all ages, and all fitness abilities. It was inspiring, and going along to hand out the medals felt like the least we could do.”

Walkers included Chloe Austin, who was told she’d never walk again following an injury on a fairground walk at Fudstock music festival in the summer of 2021. She completed the walk with her proud mum, Sharon, and other family members.

Other participants included a group of school children from Barrow Island Rugby League Club, walking in memory of their rugby coach, Chris Johnson. 

Over 500 people took part — with the event proving a huge success — and raising more money than the Hospice team had hoped for.

Head of communications and community engagement Karl Connor said; “It’s always hard to put a projected figure on a fundraising event, especially at a time when we’re all feeling the pinch and bills seem to be going up far more quickly than wages. 

“We maybe shouldn’t be surprised by how generous our local community is — because they always turn up for us — but the £40,000 that has come in so far is beyond what we’d hoped we’d get. 

“The event was remarkable, seeing the line of pink flashing lights snaking down from the new roundabout at Cross-a-Moor is something that will live long in my memory. 

“The best bit is always speaking to people taking part, and getting to hear their story. They all have a different reason for taking part, and a different person they want to remember. It’s very moving to see how much the Hospice helps people and how many lives we touch.”

St Mary’s is currently running a campaign to get more regular donations, with people signing up to ‘Sponsor a Nurse’ with an affordable month donation. Eight out of every 10 patients the hospice sees has their care paid for by voluntary donations from the community — and The Evening Mail has backed the campaign.

Details of their ‘Sponsor-a-Nurse’ campaign can be found at www.stmaryshospice.org.uk 

READ MORE: The hospice needs you!' - Could you help sponsor a nurse?