The annual 'Shake on the Lake' cruise marked a record-breaking year, raising £4,000 for motor neurone disease (MND) at its 30th anniversary.

David Beesley has been bringing friends and family together ever since 1994 to raise awareness and funds for the disease that took his father's life, Howard Beesley - a 'true gentleman' and well-known Carlisle hairdresser. 

Howard passed away at the age of 46 when David was just 23, igniting 30 years of 'cathartic fundraising' that would follow in his father's name. 

Hosted on the Ullswater Steamers' flagship vessel, the Raven, the event attracted 140 guests on July 13, including first-time attendees from as far afield as New Zealand and Greece.

"The night was exceptional, and it's fitting for our 30th anniversary to break records and raise just over £4,000 for the first time," David said. 

" This was helped by an old friend gifting back the £700 Dyson after he had won it as an auction prize to raise a further £370 from that one item," he said. 

Smiles from guests, including celebrated author MW Craven, aboard the Ullswater SteamerSmiles from guests, including celebrated author MW Craven, aboard the Ullswater Steamer (Image: Supplied)

Through events such as this, David has so far raised around £54,000 for those suffering from MND in the Cumbria area, bringing with it around 3,000 guests along for the ride. 

At the time of Howard's diagnosis, there was no local support for MND patients, with the nearest assistance available in Blackburn or Sunderland.

David gave thanks to Paul Musgrave and Sean Duval Todhunter for consistently providing the 'Shake' for the eventDavid gave thanks to Paul Musgrave and Sean Duval Todhunter for consistently providing the 'Shake' for the event (Image: Supplied)

In response, Howard’s partner and healthcare professionals established the Cumbria MND group.  The funds raised will contribute directly to the Cumbria group.

David expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his journey, including Paul Musgrave and Sean Duval Todhunter (DJ), who have consistently volunteered their time and talent for free, helping provide the 'Shake' for the event.

Passengers aboard Ullswater Steamers' the RavenPassengers aboard Ullswater Steamers' the Raven (Image: Supplied)

"It's truly a great feeling seeing so many people happy in the name of awareness and fundraising for MND," he said. 

"Ullswater 'Steamers' and Cumbria Coaches do a great job of looking after my guests." 

To find out more or donate to Cumbria's MND association, you can visit https://www.mndassociation.org/support-and-information/local-support/branches/north-and-west-cumbria-group