15-04-2025
Charity raises over £2,000 in '73 challenge' fundraising initiative
A Cumbria-based cerebral palsy charity has raised over £2,000 throughout March for their '73 challenge fundraising initiative, which was organised to commemorate the organisation's 73rd anniversary.
The Cumbria Cerebral Palsy charity challenged individuals and groups to fundraise 'their way', by doing 73 of 'something', such as walking or running 73 miles, baking 73 cakes or other skills such as swimming.
Cumbria Cerebral Palsy is a local charity, formed in 1952, which supports adults, children and families with cerebral palsy and related disabilities across Cumbria.
The charity's general manager, Emily Breaks, said: "We are so pleased that the local communities we serve responded so positively to our charity challenge to celebrate our 73rd anniversary year.
'The variety of challenges our staff and customers set was remarkable and was true to the idea of the challenge being: Your Challenge, Done Your Way.'
(Image: Cumbria Cerebral Palsy)
Each of the charity's four shops, and the Resource Centre at Lister House in Carlisle, came up with their own unique fundraising ideas.
The Cockermouth store created pin badges and sold 90 throughout March, as the Brampton store sold houseplants and held a cake sale.
The Wigton store hosted a four-day cycling challenge where they collectively cycled 73 miles, while a cupcake sale was held at the Resource Centre alongside a stall set up in the Lanes shopping centre.
Breaks said: 'It is absolutely amazing to have raised this amount of money. It is an outstanding result and can I take this opportunity to personally thank each and every one who contributed in any way to making this challenge such a huge success.'
The charity also received large donations from the Brampton and Longtown Rotary Clubs, alongside support from the Whitehaven Academy Sixth Form, who held a bake sale to help aid fundraising efforts.
(Image: Cumbria Cerebral Palsy)
The total amount raised in the month stands at a total of £2,055.65, following fundraising efforts and donations from the community.
Emily Break said: "As we are a small independent charity any fundraising big or small makes a huge difference to us.
"We have four charity shops that raise vital funds for us. We also have two community outreach workers who support adults, children and families across Cumbria who have cerebral palsy and related disabilities."
Due to the success of the fundraising campaign, the charity are aiming to make the challenge a permanent attraction, Emily Breaks said: 'This may now have to become an annual fundraising fixture in March 2026 with, Charity Challenge '74"
If you would like to fundraise for the charity, then get in touch with their fundraiser Mark on 07807 010339.
