Group embarks on memory walk for St John's and St Mary's

The walk will take place from August 3 to 9 to raise funds for the two hospices that provided end-of-life care for their loved ones.

Three of the five participants have lost family members in the past year and have come together to fundraise for other patients to be cared for in hospices and homes.

Together, the five will walk along the Kendal Limestone Way, starting at Skipton Parish Church and finishing seven days later at Kendal Parish Church.

(Image: Supplied)

The route, involving ascents and descents, was chosen to mirror the ups and downs experienced during end-of-life care.

The walkers have extended an open invitation to other community members to join them on the walk and to donate to the hospices.

Additionally, Churchill Retirement Living has pledged to match donations, up to £1,000.

Pamela Bissland, one of the walkers, said: "St John's cared for my dear friends’ beloved in their last days.

"Fellow walker Adrian's wife Val, passed peacefully there too, as did Chris, Gary's brother.

"My brother Tony passed in St Mary's last year surrounded by family and so loved.

"The support, love and understanding that the staff give is unbelievable.

"The families are supported unconditionally."

Supporters can make donations at https://tinyurl.com/yjwybwaw or contact Ms Bissland at 07935506594 for more information.

Lisa Morgan, community fundraising manager at St John's Hospice, said: "This will be an emotional and physical challenge for the walkers.

"Our hearts go out to them for their losses and for taking on this 7-day memory walk to raise funds for the St John's and St Mary's so that our care can continue for others.

"Thank you to these walkers, who may soon become the South Lakes 'famous five'."

St John’s Hospice is a charity that provides free palliative care to patients with life-shortening conditions.

Their services cover a population of 250,000 people in north Lancashire, south Lakes, and parts of north Yorkshire.