A popular charity walk by torchlight is set to raise money for the Michelle Jurd Trust in Cumbria.
The event, which sees walkers lighting up Catbells, will now finally take place tomorrow (August 17).
Since the event began in 2015, it has raised more than £77,500 for charity. And this year, the proceeds will go to the Michelle Jurd Trust, a charity which helps young people and veterans in Cumbria experience adventure and exploration and live life to the fullest.
Neil Jurd OBE founded the charity in memory of his wife Michelle, a former RAF Squadron Leader who loved outdoor activities and was killed in a car crash near to Levens in south Lakeland in 2009.
“We’re so pleased The Lakeland Festival of Light has picked the Michelle Jurd Trust as its chosen charity for this year,” he said. “Last year’s event raised more than £10,000 and the charity was able to take a group of disadvantaged young people from Barrow to Southampton to spend a week sailing on tall ships.
“This kind of activity is a great way of building up young people’s confidence, leadership skills and helps them learn to work as a team. They had the trip of a lifetime.
“We were also able to organise an afternoon tea for more than 100 veterans to help combat loneliness and support their social needs. The donations collected at this year’s Festival of Light will help us do even more to help both young people and veterans in the Cumbria area.”
The Lakeland Festival of Light is organised by Lakeland Mountain Guides and will see thousands of people walk up Catbells – a 1,480ft fell – lighting their way with torches.
Those taking part are asked to meet at Nichol End Marine, near Keswick, at 6.30pm.
There is no charge to take part, but walkers are asked to make a charity donation. There will also be a raffle and a tombola.
To find out more about the event, visit www.lakelandmountainguides.co.uk/the-lakeland-festival-of-light/lfol-2024
To learn more about The Michelle Jurd Trust and how the charity helps young people and veterans, visit www.michellejurdtrust.org
