WEST Cumbrians are being encouraged to bring out their inner superhero and tackle a giant inflatable course to raise cash for charity.

Hospice At Home West Cumbria is holdings its KAPOW! Superhero Challenge on July 6 at Cockermouth Rugby Club.

Staff at businesses sponsoring the event are preparing to climb, duck, dodge and slide along the 5k fun-course.

Mark Brook, manufacturing director at James Walker, headline sponsor of the charity event, said: “James Walker and all its employees are proud to support Hospice at Home West Cumbria once again. As a local charity, all money raised by them stays in this area and supports local people and the community – our employees and their families.

“Most of us know someone who has received support from them and we think they do a fantastic job. We are all really looking forward to the event and we hope it raises a great amount for the charity – we are sure it will be a brilliant day.”

Franks Portlock is sponsoring The Hammer obstacle and the Foam Finish. James New, Sellafield site contract manager at the firm, said: “Franks Portlock are proud to be sponsoring the KAPOW! Superhero Challenge and supporting Hospice at Home West Cumbria with their new fundraising event. The charity provide vital work in West Cumbria and we hope the event is a success and raises lots of money for their cause. We have a team of 21 taking part and we are all super excited to be tackling the giant obstacles.”

Mike Edmondson, of Cockermouth Round Table, sponsors of The Mangle obstacle, said: “The guys at Cockermouth Round Table pride themselves in getting involved in the community, supporting good causes but most of all having great fun while doing it. The opportunity to sponsor an obstacle at KAPOW! was therefore too good to miss. We know what a fantastic job they do at Hospice at Home West Cumbria so we’re pleased to support them and we’re now looking forward to a few laughs as we tackle the course!”

Gemma Rudd, of Cartmell Shepherd which sponsors the Stairs of Doom, said: “Cartmell Crusaders team members Lauren and Gemma are looking forward to taking on the KAPOW! Obstacles, in particular the Stairs of Doom which Cartmells are pleased to sponsor. We would love to smash our sponsorship target as well as the course.”

Cumbria Travel sponsors The Alternator obstacle. Sarah Grimshaw, branch manager, said: “Cumbria Travel is proud to be sponsoring Hospice at Home West Cumbria’s KAPOW! event and we are all so excited to be taking part too. We hope to raise loads of money to support the charity so please dig deep and sponsor us if you can.”

Paul Hoyle, of KAEFER Ltd which sponsors the Dip n Duck obstacle, added: “I am really looking forward to taking part in the KAPOW! Superhero Challenge this year. As always, I am particularly pleased to see the commitment from KAEFER employees and their families, who offer ongoing support to Hospice at Home West Cumbria. Many taking part having done so every year, which speaks volumes in terms of their commitment to local causes, and the highly regarded reputation of Hospice at Home West Cumbria.”

David Byrne, head of business at Lloyd Cockermouth BMW & MINI, which sponsors the Biff Bash obstacle, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this year’s Superhero Challenge in aid of Hospice at Home West Cumbria. Our team can’t wait to get involved on the day.”

Bob Slack, of The Fitz Country House, sponsors of The Ultimate Slide obstacle, said: “We are proud to be sponsoring one of the obstacles at the KAPOW! event for Hospice at Home West Cumbria and we wish them lots of success with their new fundraising event.”

Other sponsors include Sellafield Contractors Group Charity Committee and Sellafield Donations Ltd.

Gates at the event open at 10.30am, with entertainment from CFM’s Robbie Dee. Participants are encouraged to come in fancy dress. Spectator tickets cost £5 per adult and £3 per child.