WE HAVE REACHED OUR TARGET - THANK YOU ALL SO  MUCH!

We still have one month to go to complete the full year so continue with our endeavours until the end of March.

When Jane started walking towards her 1000-mile challenge, the idea behind it was to fill a void. 2020 wasn't easy on anyone, especially unpaid Carers like Jane. Last March, she broke her ankle which put her in a tight spot because her husband Jimmy had dementia and required round the clock active care and attention, but they managed with help from her daughters, neighbours and online deliveries. Then, in June, Jane lost her mother and, tragically, six weeks later, Jimmy.

Jane says, "It was all somewhat surreal, organising two funerals with only limited numbers allowed due to Covid, then not being able to grieve properly as contact with family members was so limited. Carer Support South Lakes knew exactly how to help and put me in touch with a bereavement counsellor. Having someone to talk to definitely helped". 

"As time passes, I am beginning to feel stronger, both mentally and physically and found that walking is really helping. We all know the benefits of exercise but when you're feeling so broken with grief and loneliness it can be really tough to find the motivation to get moving".

Setting herself the challenge of walking 1000 miles in a year initially felt like "way too much of a commitment" but then after some more thought she realised it would be a great way to keep up momentum to help her through the challenging times ahead as well as an opportunity to raise some much needed funds for CSSL, "especially after the support I have received from them in the last year", she says.

She has also laid down the gauntlet for others within the charity to join her and currently has a small posse of individuals uniting in the endeavour.  Two CSSL volunteers (Rowena and Sharron) , a friend (Karen) and 2 team members (Nicola and James), each walking their own 1000-miles, making 6000-miles in total!

Jane's endeavours have also caught the imagination of some of our Young Carers. So, along with 3 of our YC Support (Nicola, Jane & Jess) they are joining together as one big team and pooling their 1000 miles. This is a wonderful reason for them to get out in the fresh air, get moving and create a renewed sense of camaraderie after 12 months apart.

Please would you consider encouraging them all as they aim to fit this, ultimately, 7000 mile challenge into their busy schedules, by giving a donation on the page? Your generosity is very gratefully appreciated - thank you so much!