Cumbria's Grand Day Out raises over £20,000 for flood victims

Runners cross the start line at the Askham Trail Run Credit: James Kirby

Hats and gloves were at the ready as runners, riders and racers set off for a Grand Day Out against a snowy backdrop of the Lake District.

A Grand Day Out in Cumbria hosted a variety of events across the county on Saturday, including fell runs, mountain biking and guided walks.

The events aimed to raise money for Cumbria's Mountain Rescue teams and the Cumbria Community Foundation.

The original target of raising £10,000 was blown clear out of the water as total money raised came to £20,450 and counting.

Langdale Mountain Rescue team enjoy A Grand Day Out Credit: Grand Day Out

Around 800 took part in the weekend's events including a Social Cycle at Warwick Bridge, a Grand Doodle in Kendal and a guided fell walk at Pooley Bridge.

The most popular place was the snowy scene at Askham Trail Run where 400 runners and a few four-legged friends took to the hills.

Two runners are accompanied by their dog with a herd of Fell Ponies spectating the race Credit: James Kirby
A string of runners descend through the snow at Askham Credit: James Kirby

The idea of Cumbria's Grand Day Out came from very humble beginnings.

In the wake of the flooding, Tom Rumsey and his friends had the idea to go for a walk in the Lakes and each put £10 in an envelope to send to a flood recovery charity.

Within a matter of days, their idea went viral on social media and so Cumbria's Grand Day Out was born. Tom alongside a group of friends and volunteers organised a variety of events with the aim to have fun, get outdoors and support the county.

Cumbria's Grand Day Out organiser, Tom Rumsey, with ITV Border's Paul Crone Credit: James Kirby

Speaking after the event, Tom says his plan now is to get some sleep, regroup with the committee and start planning something bigger and better for the Autumn.