A CHARITY whose annual flagship fundraiser helps thousands of vulnerable young people says its tenth event will be even bigger and better.

The Ambleside-based Brathay Trust, the only charity to organise its own fundraising marathons which have generated over £1million, hopes its 2016 event will raise £150,000.

The money will help buy a new minibus, kayaks and canoes and support Brathay’s work with sexually exploited girls, young people leaving care, and vulnerable children and young adults in the Furness area.

As well as offering an endurance event, the Brathay 10in10 - ten marathons in ten consecutive days - the charity is also responsible for the Brathay Windermere Marathon.

And this week entries opened for a brand new event, the Brathay Half Marathon. Forty-two year old Gina Pennington, from Kendal, the first to sign up, said: “Brathay is a fabulous charity that’s right on my doorstep. I’ve seen first-hand the work they do with very vulnerable young people. I really want to support them and to persuade other local people to have a go at this beautiful new half marathon – whether you are already a runner or not.

"Many of us have had great childhoods and can ensure the children in our lives get the best start, but that’s not the case for all young people. Brathay can make such a difference to a young person in very challenging circumstances who doesn’t believe in themselves and thinks there are no alternatives.”

The sales manager for Farrers Coffee, Kendal, has already raised £3,770 for Brathay and is pledging to raise a further £3,000 by completing five running challenges in nine months. The first being the Lancaster half marathon in November and the last next July’s Lakeland 50. Gina is also hoping to tackle the 2016 London marathon for the fourth time in April.

Scott Umpleby, Brathay’s Head of Fundraising, said anyone who signs up and fundraises for the Brathay Windermere Marathon, Brathay Half Marathon and another new event, the Junior Races will be helping people like David and his mum. David, whose mum was battling with alcoholism, was supported to look after himself and then to find independent accommodation when he was 16. His mum was also helped with her addiction. Six months on, David is in college, his mum has not had a drink for over three months and they are rebuilding their relationship”.

For more details of Brathay’s 10th anniversary fundraising event and how to enter the Brathay Half Marathon and Windermere Marathon on Sunday May 22, visit: Brathayrunning.com