A SPECIAL‘Thank You' jam, launched by a local company during lockdown, has raised more than £1,500 for a South Lakes mental health charity.

Fifty pence from the sale of each of the Hawkshead Relish jars is being donated to Growing Well, a charity based at Low Sizergh, near Kendal, which helps people recover from mental health problems by volunteering on its farm or in its kitchen.

Hawkshead Relish co-owner, Maria Whitehead, said they had created the raspberry and vanilla jam after an increasing number of customers had asked for a present they could use to say thank you during the crisis.

“We also felt it would be appropriate for us to say thank you to the team at Growing Well who do such magnificent work helping people with all sorts of mental health issues," said Mrs Whitehead.

“It seemed especially poignant this year as many people have been battling their own demons throughout this time. We will continue to run this whilst there is still a need.”

So far the company has sold more than 3,000 jars, almost 800 through their shop in Hawkshead village, 100 through mail order, and the rest wholesale - including 300 jars to the Salutation Hotel & Spa in Ambleside

Growing Well chief executive Mary Smith said: “A great big thank you in return to Maria and Hawkshead Relish for this brilliant idea which has really taken off.

"It’s wonderful to think of 3,000 people saying thank you in this way for acts of kindness received, and for it to raise £1,500 for Growing Well at the same time is incredible.

“Times are tough for all charities and this money makes a significant difference to us being able to continue our work month by month.

"Maria and Hawkshead are just wonderful business supporters for a local charity to have, as they are always thinking of new ways that they can help us, partner with us and have our back.”

Growing Well re-opened in July for new referrals, and also has three spaces left on its ‘Crop Share’ weekly vegetable box scheme. For more information email info@growingwell.co.uk or call 07903 013648.

Hawkshead Relish's 'Thank You' jam remains on sale and is available in several sizes and gift options. For more information or to order online see www.hawksheadrelish.com.