Fundraising for the 27th Armathwaite Challenge – which raises money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) – has begun.

Event organiser Geoff Fisher is emphasising the importance of every donation, regardless of size, in making a difference and helping the charity continue its vital work.

The event, now on its 27th edition, will take place on Sunday, September 22, offering participants the choice between a 20-mile walk or a 10-mile walk.

The 20-mile walk will begin at Carleton's Border Gate Hotel and walk towards Talkin Tarn, with a stop planned at Armathwaite's Fox and Pheasant where the 10-mile group will join the challenge. 

Over the challenge's previous 26 editions, it has raised a total of £71,214 for the British House Foundation, with Geoff keen to break the £100,000 barrier.

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He said: "Over the last 26 years with your constant help, generosity, and support, the Armathwaite walk has generated over £70,000, together we can smash the £100,000 barrier if we all walk and work together to help a great charity.

"I must mention some very special people who have helped, supported, and kept me focused over these years, without these people the Armathwaite Challenge might have lost its momentum/direction years ago, a big and special thank you from me to Mick Irving, Helen Fisher, Wendy Parry, Nicola Morgan, the three Ladies from the BHF, Emma, Phoebe, and Margaret, and the team at Metcalfe Plant Hire."

More than £650 has already been raised and anybody wishing to donate can do so online.