The second fundraising walk from Keswick to Kendal for Unpaid Carers has a special meaning this month. Both West Cumbrian Carers, which covered Keswick and Carers Support South Lakes based in Kendal are celebrating special anniversaries – 30 years of supporting Unpaid Carers in their areas.
The fundraising event, known as the K2K, has been organised by Stuart Graves, to raise awareness of Unpaid Carers, particularly male Carers.
Stuart said: “The past two years have proved to all of us the importance of having a network of contacts in our daily lives and that is just on our personal and social networks. So, imagine as a Carer being presented with total lockdowns with no opportunity to meet face to face. That’s what faced the Male Carer’s Support Group, as it did others.
“Having become used to meeting face to face on a regular basis, to have that severely limited was at best an obstacle and at worst isolation for our members.
“It has been a real battle for so many unpaid Carers, struggling to look after their Cared For on their own for months on end with no opportunity for respite. The men and women who will join me in this K2K will be walking to acknowledge that struggle and to help make others more aware.
“Carer Support South Lakes (CSSL) supports over 1,200 unpaid Carers of all ages- men and women, boys and girls who look after a loved one, often full-time, without payment. Their role is vital to the health and well-being of their Cared For but more often than not, it goes completely unseen.
“CSSL supports my role as a full-time Unpaid male Carer. I have been fortunate in being able to volunteer for the charity and lead their Men’s Support Group.”
This year’s K2K will take place on Saturday, June 11, following on from the National Carers Week.
Stuart added: “The timing is apt as I am both a Volunteer with CSSL and registered with them as an Unpaid Carer.
“This year we are planning a relay, as some of our Carers need to carry out their caring role so cannot commit to the whole day. I will be walking the full length.
“I would encourage any male Carer to get in touch via Carer-Connect to become part of the men’s group. We men put on a mask to hide how we are really feeling. We in the men’s group fully understand that, especially as Carers to our loved ones. The first step is the hardest and it really is a small step get in touch with Carer Support South Lakes.”
Donations can be made via Just Giving at www.justgiving.com/campaign/CSSL-k2k-2022
If you are an Unpaid Carer you can contact your local Cumbrian Carer organisaton for support by emailing or calling their office:
· Carer Support South Lakes, Email: admin@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk Tel: 01539 815970
· Carlisle Carers Email: admin@carlislecarers.co.uk Tel: 01228 542156
· Carer Support Eden Email: enquiries@edencarers.co.uk Tel: 01768 890280
· Furness Carers Email: admin@furnesscarers.co.uk Tel: 01229 822822
· West Cumbria Carers Email: general@westcumbriacarers.co.uk, Tel 01900 821976
PHOTO: K2K walkers at the finishing line for the first event in 2019.
