CancerCare’s highly anticipated Cross Bay Walk raised an incredible sum of £23,883 - the highest ever achieved - to help people in the local community who are affected by cancer, life-shortening illnesses or bereavement.
On 16th June, a group of 432 walkers – 367 of those who were supporting CancerCare – congregated at Arnside Promenade before making their way across the sands of the UK’s largest tidal bay to finish their challenge at Grange Promenade. The group were in the capable hands of the King’s Guide to the Sands Michael Wilson, who led the approximately eight-mile walk from the off.
Participants were treated to glorious sunshine and camaraderie was high from the very first step to the last. Local drumming band Batala Lancaster joined the celebrations, drumming the walkers off in style.
The Cross Bay Walk has been a key fundraiser for CancerCare for well over a decade, and this year’s final total of £23,883, including gift aid, was an event record.
This money will ensure that anyone from South Lakes and North Lancashire who is coping with cancer or grief will always have somewhere to turn. CancerCare provides a range of invaluable support services to those in the local community who need it the most, and the work would not be possible without fundraisers as such.
The 2024 Cross Bay Walk falling on Father’s Day was poignant for two families who were walking in memory of their late fathers.
Ellen Johnson and her family raised funds for CancerCare. Ellen’s dad, David, died late last year aged 60.
“As a family, coming to terms with his terminal diagnosis last summer was incredibly challenging to say the least, given the realities of palliative care at home, anticipatory grief, and eventual bereavement,” Ellen said. “During the difficult weeks leading up to his passing, we were fortunate to access one-to-one weekly counselling, through charities like CancerCare. This support provided an anchor and a steady hand to hold during a time of great uncertainty, worry and sadness.”
After the event, Ellen added: “We’ve been blown away by the amount of donations. We really loved the walk; it was the perfect way to spend Father’s Day.”
Sarah and Emma Davies similarly chose to take on the Cross Bay Walk on Father’s Day while raising funds in memory of beloved father, husband and friend Peter, who passed away in 2021.
Sarah said: “We had a great day and we hope to be joining another fundraiser soon. It was a lovely, peaceful way to spend Father’s Day.”
