A TEAM of fundraisers took on the challenge of rowing 38 kilometres along the three longest lakes in the Lake District in under 12 hours to raise money for CancerCare.

The event was organised by Susie Bate, of Troutbeck Bridge, near Windermere, as a ‘Celebration of Life’ after her recent treatment for multiple myeloma, which included an operation to remove spinal tumours and a stem cell transplant, in combination with high dose chemotherapy.

Twenty of her family and friends from all over the UK and as far away as Denmark and Finland joined the team to paddle the length of Ullswater in Voyager canoes, Coniston Water in Canadian canoes, and tackle Windermere – England’s largest lake – from the southern tip to the northern end in rowing boats.

"The past year has been a pretty tumultuous one, but I’ve had a huge amount of love and support from my wonderful family and friends" said Susie.

“I wanted to celebrate by sharing a unique and unforgettable experience with them, and also to raise money for a very special local charity.

"CancerCare provides free counselling, therapeutic massage, drop-in centres, group activities, hydrotherapy, and many other forms of support which are so important at this particularly difficult time in someone’s life. CancerCare is there for the families of those affected too."

The event was run with the support of Brathay Trust, where Susie’s husband Paul works. Brathay staff provided technical back-up to the team throughout the day, and also had an opportunity to trial a new specially-designed canoe seat to allow visitors with injuries and disabilities to participate in activities on the lake.

"It made such a difference," said Susie. "In the end we beat the deadline by completing the challenge in under ten hours! A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved."

That’s not the only target smashed as the original aim was to raise £2,000 for CancerCare, but the total amount given has almost doubled that and currently stands at £3,826. Donations can still be made at https://www.justgiving.com/Susie-Bate/

Team member Kay Cook, of Kendal, said, ‘I’m so proud to have been part of this special event. Susie is an amazingly positive person and an inspiration to us all. CancerCare is a cause close to my heart too as they supported me through treatment for breast cancer - we’re very lucky to have such a great organisation here in South Lakeland."

"The challenge was a tough one – as so often happens in the Lakes we had four seasons in one day! But the sunshine, showers, rainbows and snow-capped fells combined to create breathtakingly memorable views that kept us motivated."

The event closed with a celebration meal at Brathay Hall and presentation of certificates to the team.