Hundreds of hardy hikers braved summer wind, rain and even hailstones on CancerCare’s Cross Bay Walk. 

The charity’s annual eight-mile guided stroll from Arnside to Grange, which took place on Sunday, saw walkers endure some unseasonable conditions out on the sands, raising £15,800 in the process. 

The wet weather failed to dampen walkers’ enthusiasm, even when they were forced to wade through a waist-deep channel which had them encouraging, clapping and cheering each other as they emerged drenched but delighted on the other side.  

Taking part was Tony Platt who raised more than £800 in sponsorship.

Tony said: “I had always wanted to do this walk so when the opportunity presented itself signed up together with a mate from Cartmel.

"We had a great day and got completely soaked just prior to the halfway point, but that that didn’t bother us - or anybody else by the look on peoples’ faces. It was a terrific, and humbling, experience to be so far out in the bay.

"It takes a fair bit of effort walking on rock, mud and sand for over three hours, so raising donations for such a worthy cause made it all worthwhile!

“Thanks to everyone involved, great organisation, successful fundraising, and a beautiful bay all combining to give us an epic experience."

The walk was guided by Michael Wilson, from the Guide Over Sands Trust.

Organiser Kat Michaels said: “This is one of the largest amounts of money we have ever raised on a Cross Bay Walk and I would like to thank everyone who took part, Michael and his amazing team and all our volunteers who have up their time to ensure everyone had a great time, despite the weather.

"Every penny raised will go to help local people coping with a cancer diagnosis or loved one.”