If THERE’S a better way to see a mountain-sunrise while helping others in one of the greatest ways, it’s yet to be found.

The entire Cumbrian community is being encouraged to sign up for the stunning fundraiser, which will see walkers watch the sun rise while on top of one of the county’s highest peaks after a very early-morning hike.

And it’s all in a bid to raise much-needed funds for the vital charity, Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service (CADAS), which helps so many of those struggling with addiction.

The team’s fundraising efforts have seen a massive blow during the Covid-19 pandemic, and Leigh Williams, the service’s chief executive, has high hopes for the walk.

“We would love to fill the places because we have lost so many opportunities this summer to do our normal fundraising” Ms Williams said.

“We really need people to step up to help us.”

Due to take place on September 13, the event will be led by an expert guide from Lancaster-based Adventure Trails, with the group setting off from Wyhtburn, at Thirlmere, at 4am.

The team plan to reach the 3,116ft summit just before sunrise, where they will sit and take in the picturesque views and magical scene, before they continue on to the additional peaks of Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike, and dropping down towards Dunmail Raise and back to the start point.

Each walker is encouraged to raise between £100-£200 in sponsorships, in addition to the £25 sign-up cost, with everyone from amateurs looking to bag a Wainwright or two to experienced hikers encouraged to take part.

“This is a brilliant opportunity to help a charity, meet up with people in a socially-distanced way and to reconnect with nature,” Ms Williams said.

“This is a guided walk, so if you would love to get out on the fells and see the sunrise but don’t necessarily have the navigation skills this will be ideal."

With the charity needing about £10,000 per week to run its service, all money raised will go towards the cost of the helpline – established in May this year – which supports children and adults struggling with their own, or someone else's, problematic substance abuse.

The team also does a huge amount of preventative work, through running education and awareness sessions in schools and by teaching professionals, such as teachers, social workers and police, to increase their knowledge of substances that can become addictive and harmful to health.

Ms Williams added: “We see on average around 500 people each year for up to 12 hours of individual client time, but we also touch the lives of between two and three thousand other people through our events and workshops."

Places on the sunrise hike are limited, so people are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.

Once signed up, they will receive a pack with a link to a fund-raising page, although people can create their own sponsorship sheet if they prefer. They will also receive details about what kit to bring on the walk and tips on potential training tips they might do before the hike.

To take part in the Sunrise Helvellyn Hike, click here.