As many as 300 older people in Cumbria die every year due to the cold weather as they are made to choose between heating and eating.

Each year Cumbria Community Foundation runs the Winter Warmth Appeal, which has been running for the past four years. 

In that time we have raised more than £360,000 and supported over 2,500 people.

Please donate to our Winter Warmth Appeal and help older people stay warm and healthy throughout the winter.

We also run The Big Sleep, which is an annual fundraising challenge raising money for the Winter Warmth Appeal.

People from all across the UK descend of a Lake District field in the midst of winter and sleep out under the stars where temperatures have reached minus 6 degrees. Last year it raised £20,000.

“The Winter Warmth Grant was absolutely marvellous, as I have a basic pension. The house has night storage heaters so I don’t have a choice about how to keep warm. I avoid using the electric fire. Many days I do without heating.” Betty, 80, Alston