My name is Stuart Graves and this is the second Keswick to Kendal walk I have organised to raise awareness around unpaid Carers, and male Carers in particular.

The past 2 years have proved to all of us the importance of having a network of contacts in our daily lives and that is just on our personal and social networks. So, imagine as a Carer being presented with total lockdowns with no opportunity to meet face to face. That's what faced the Male Carer's Support Group, as it did others. Having become used to meeting face to face on a regular basis, to have that severely limited was at best an obstacle and at worst isolation for our members.

It has been a real battle for so many unpaid Carers, struggling to look after their Cared For on their own for months on end with no opportunity for respite. The men and woman who will join me in this K2K will be walking to acknowledge that struggle and to help make others more aware.

Carer Support South Lakes (CSSL) supports over 1,200 unpaid Carers of all ages- men and women, boys and girls who look after a loved one, often fulltime, without payment. Their role is vital to the health and wellbeing of their Cared For but more often than not, it goes completely unseen.

CSSL supports my role as a full-time unpaid male Carer. I have been fortunate in being able to volunteer for the charity and lead their Mens Support Group.

The date for this event is the 11th June 2022. It is on the Saturday just after National Carers Week. The timing is apt as I am both a Volunteer with CSSL and registered with them as an unpaid Carer.

This year we are planning a relay, as some of our Carers need to carry out their caring role so cannot commit to the whole day. I will be walking the full length.

I would encourage any male Carer to get in touch via Carer-Connect to become part of the men's group. We men put on a mask to hide how we are really feeling. We in the men's group fully understand that especially as Carers to our loved ones. The first step is the hardest and it really is a small step get in touch with Carer Support South Lakes.

Any donation you make towards our efforts will also be very gratefully received thank you!