Our annual eight-mile guided stroll from Arnside to Grange-over-Sands, which took place on Sunday, saw walkers endure the notoriously changeable Morecambe Bay conditions raising £15,000 for CancerCare in the process.

The wet weather failed to dampen walkers’ enthusiasm, even when they were forced to wade through a waist-deep channel which had them encouraging, clapping and cheering each other as they emerged drenched but delighted on the other side.

Queen’s Guide to the Sands Michael Wilson, from the Guide Over Sands Trust, did a fantastic job taking the situation in his stride and keeping everyone safe, throughout.

Organiser Kat Michaels said: “This is one of the largest amounts of money we have ever raised on a Cross Bay Walk and I would like to thank everyone who took part, Michael and his amazing team and all our volunteers who gave up their time to ensure everyone had a great time, despite the weather. Every penny raised will go to help local people coping with a cancer diagnosis or loss of a loved one.”

Taking part was Tony Platt who raised more than £800 in sponsorship.

“I had always wanted to do this walk so when the opportunity presented itself signed up together with a mate from Cartmel. We had a great day and got completely soaked just prior to the halfway point, but that that didn’t bother us - or anybody else by the look on peoples’ faces. It was a terrific, and humbling, experience to be so far out in the bay. It takes a fair bit of effort walking on rock, mud and sand for over three hours, so raising donations for such a worthy cause made it all worthwhile!

“Thanks to everyone involved, great organisation, successful fundraising, and a beautiful bay all combining to give us an epic experience,” said Tony.

We have received lots of lovely messages from participants and we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved, this could not have been achieved without your help and support. The day was a huge success despite the rain, hail, wind and occasional sunshine. We all smiled and laughed as we took in the amazing scenery and raised an amazing £15, 577.70 to date for CancerCare.

We hope to see you next year for the Cross Bay Walk 2023!