Preston adoption charity marks 90th anniversary with 40-mile trek

The team at Caritas Care completed the 40-mile walk alongside adoptee, Barry. Pic: Caritas Care

A group at an adoption charity based in Preston has completed a 40-mile walk to mark their 90th anniversary.

The team at Caritas Care, walked from Keswick to Barrow over the weekend, inspired by adoptee Barry Cullen who has completed the route nine times and raised huge amounts of money for the charity.

A group of 11 people, friends and staff, joined Barry on 11 May as part of celebrations for their 90th year as a charity.

Barry, who was adopted as a baby said: “I was brought up in a loving family. My experience was very positive and I am a true advocate for adoption. My aim is to raise awareness and funds for Caritas Care as the work they do in finding loving families for children who are waiting for adoption is something that is very close to my heart.

“I was delighted to be part of Team Caritas Care at this year’s event. I am incredibly grateful to Caritas Care for all they did for me.”

The charity walk is a ‘renowned event in the charity calendar,’ taking participants through the Lake District and raising funds for local charities.

They walked from Keswick to Barrow through the Lake District. Pic: Caritas Care

Lindsey Duckworth, Marketing Manager and ‘proud member’ of Team Caritas Care said: “Taking part in this year’s walk was about more than just walking from A to B.

“It was testimony to the power of teamwork, determination, and dedication of every member of staff at Caritas Care. We all truly believe in the work we do and that we can make lives better for the people we support day in day out. This is what spurred is on and got us all to the finishing line”

The team crossed the finish line on the weekend and aim to remain true to their mission to find adopters for children, with approximately 2,110 waiting for a permanent family.

Susan Swarbrick, CEO said: “We are enormously proud of Barry, the staff and friends who undertook this huge challenge – it’s such a remarkable achievement.

“It’s wonderful to see the results of the work we do affecting people like Barry so positively. We could not make such a difference for people like him without the dedication and passion that comes from our fantastic team here at Caritas Care. The impact of this challenge will be felt far beyond the finish line.”

To find out more about the charity you can visit their website.

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