Passionate walker and long-time supporter of Caritas Care, Barry Cullen, set out in 2023 undertake the annual Keswick to Barrow Walk, a challenge that covers approximately 40 miles. His brilliant efforts raised £1,500.00 for North West based charity, Caritas Care.

The Keswick to Barrow (K2B) Walk is a sponsored walking and running event in the stunning Lake District. Barry’s journey began in Keswick, through picturesque countryside of Thirlmere and Coniston, eventually reaching Barrow-in-Furness.

Barry (50) was adopted at the age of 4 months through Caritas Care.  Barry says, “I was brought up in a loving and work-oriented 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.”

Barry now lives in the South, but was raised in the North West, near to the Lake District.  He does lots of walking in his home county of Surrey, but always loves coming up to the Lakes to see his family and visit his old stomping routes.  This is why this walk has appealed to him and he has completed it eight times now! In 2023, he walked it in 7 hours and 53 minutes, a personal best for him.

Barry said, “I am delighted to have raised so much for a charity that I believe in. I am incredibly grateful to Caritas Care for all they did for me.”

This year Barry is planning to support Caritas Care once again as they enter their 90th year as a charity and as an Adoption Agency.  However, this year, he will not be alone!  A team from Caritas Care will be joining him for this ambitious challenge, each participant hoping to raise £90.00 for 90 years.  The event will take place on Saturday, 11th May and they are expecting to enter a team of 12 people.

Susan Swarbrick, CEO at Caritas Care said, “We can’t thank Barry enough for his generosity and support for our charity.  It’s heart-warming to hear a story like Barry’s and know that we have made such a huge impact on his life.   It’s people like Barry who really make a difference to the work we do and we are delighted to be joining him on this epic journey to celebrate our 90th anniversary as a charity committed to finding families for children through adoption.”

Barry added, "I am excited to embark on this challenge for the ninth time with a team from Caritas Care.  I’m so glad that I have inspired members of the charity to join me.  I believe that the work they do makes a positive impact to children’s lives and builds brighter futures, just as it has done for me. The Keswick to Barrow Walk is a physical challenge but if we can help one child or young person or encourage one family to adopt, then we have succeeded.”

Caritas Care has remained true to their mission, vision and values since it began in 1934 and continues to find adopters.  There are approximately 2110 children currently waiting for a permanent family and some are waiting for long periods - up to 18 months in some cases.  Caritas Care’s aim is to help to find as many families as they can to reduce this number.

Supporters can make a donation by visiting https://keswick2barrow.co.uk/donate/106148?cid2=106148

Additionally, updates and highlights from Caritas Care’s Keswick to Barrow Walk with Barry can be followed on social media using the hashtags #Caritasat90 #CaritasK2B #90for90.

If you are interested in adoption, please contact us on 0800 652 6955 or visit our website www.caritascare.org.uk.