Hand in Hand is a small local organisation running a Lunch Activities and Reminiscence club in Wallsend, North Tyneside and an Activities and Reminiscence club in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne. Our aim is to offer a warm welcome and a good home cooked meal to anyone over 65 and to prevent older people becoming socially isolated.

I have volunteered at the Wallsend club for 5 years since retiring from the NHS. We have a loyal band of volunteers supporting the clubs but the most inspiring people there are our wonderful members-some of the most young at heart 70 80 and 90 year olds I have ever met. They are kind caring and welcoming to all newcomers and they are what makes Hand in Hand so special. If we are to keep the Clubs running for them in the future and keep the price for members affordable we need to raise as much money as we can.

The Cumbria Way is a 73 mile trail from Ulverston to Carlisle, taking in Coniston, Langdale, Borrowdale, Derwent Water, Skiddaw Forest and Caldbeck. Although I am a regular Nordic Walker this is my first long distance trail so something of a challenge for me. I will be walking with 3 friends who are experienced Ramblers.