A Lake District-based challenge event which raised thousands of pounds for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice last year is re-launching for 2023.

Determined fundraisers who took on the hospice’s first-ever Bikes Boats Boots event last year raised more than £7,500 for the charity, funds which will go directly to caring for local patients and their families.

Based in and around Ullswater, the team challenge involves 30 miles of cycling, canoeing two miles around the lake and an 11km hike up stunning Helvellyn.

The special day of fundraising is run by the hospice along with Cumbria-based adventure and expedition specialists, The Adventure Element, with participants from right across the county signing up.

The hospice has announced that Bikes Boats Boots will return this year on Saturday, May 13, 2023, with fundraisers invited to sign-up to take part and challenged to smash last year’s fundraising total.

The event is completed in teams of four, although people can sign-up as a three, a pair, or on their own and will be partnered up with other fantastic fundraisers for the day.

The event will once again take place in the stunning Lake District using the same route, thanks to positive feedback from last year’s participants.

Eleanor Viney, fundraising manager for the hospice, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in our inaugural Bikes Boats Boots event and helped make it such a successful day.

“Not only has it raised vital funds which will directly benefit local families, but it was also a pleasure to see so many of the participants achieve personal goals throughout the day.

“We can’t wait to host the event again, with the generous support, of The Adventure Element and look forward to seeing you out in the Lakes – make sure you sign-up and encourage your family, friends and work colleagues.

Mark Ashton, a 2022 participant, said: “Bikes Boats Boots is a fantastic event which gives you a real challenge whilst being really good fun. I would highly recommend.”

The money raised from the 2022 event – a total of £7,556 – will help the hospice continue to care for local people with life-limiting illnesses while also offering vital support to their families and carers.

It costs around £4 million each year for the hospice to operate with the charity needing to raise more than £3 million of that through fundraising.

Anyone who would like to take part in the event can sign-up at www.edenvalleyhospice.org/support-us/events/event/bikes-boats-boots.

If you would like more information about the event, please email fundraising@edenvalleyhospice.org or call the fundraising team on 01228 810801.