DISAPPOINTED wellwishers who are upset about the axing of a national charity’s South Lakeland event are being urged to back a fundraiser where proceeds are spent locally.

Kendal-based CancerCare seized on the cancellation of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life to urge people to sign up to its annual spectacle - StarWalk - and sought to emphasise that all its donations went to help sufferers in the South Lakes.

Last week, Cancer Research UK announced that its Cartmel event would be cut along with others around the country as part of a cost cutting exercise after only half the expected number of participants signed up.

StarWalk organiser Helen Hartin said: “I think in this day and age, people are very conscious about where their registration and sponsorship money is going.

“People want to fundraise knowing that the money is directly benefiting the patients as opposed to a large percentage spent on event administration.

“Being local, we can keep our costs down to a minimum with a main sponsor and many local businesses coming forward year after year to donate their products and services free of charge. This event truly embraces the whole Kendal community.”

StarWalk takes place in May when both men and women are sponsored to run, jog or walk a 10km route around Kendal.

CancerCare, which has a second centre in Lancaster, said it cost more than £1.2 million to run both sites.

Mrs Hartin added: “We want to continue to be able to offer free support and therapy to cancer patients and their family members locally so are asking the local readers to register early for StarWalk 2013 on May 18.

“As an incentive we are offering an early bird discount of just £10 for adults and £8 for children up to January 31 - thereafter it will be £14 for adults and £10 for teams and children.”

To register, visit www.starwalk.org.uk