A Penrith woman has raised more than £1,500 as part of a 72-mile walking challenge in memory of her nana, Evelyn.

Ella Sowerby, 33 is undergoing her challenge in aid of MHA Amathea, a dementia residential care home on Newlands Lane in Workington where her nana passed away at the age of 95 having lived for 92 years in Penrith previously.

The money raised will be going to the activity fund for the residents, to ensure that activities for the residents with dementia can be as fun, enjoyable and varied as possible.

“My nana went into the care home at Workington because at the time it was during the lockdowns and it was the only home without Covid,” said Ella.

“She didn't actually have dementia herself but the girls and everybody in there were so lovely, so we wanted to do something to give back to them.

“The last three years that she was in the home, we couldn't fault anything, she was really, really happy while she was there, and it was like a peace of mind for her because it had been quite like a stressful time before.”

Ella decided to walk 72 miles which is the distance from Penrith to the care home and back again.

Despite ‘not really being a walker’, Ella is walking the distance over two weeks and is set to finish the challenge on Tuesday, May 14.

She has walked different routes across the county in order to average the 5 miles a day she needs to finish the challenge in time.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support from everyone,” said Ella.

“I only expected to raise around £100 or so and so to raise this much is unbelievable.

“My nana was just the best. She was cute all the time. She loved going out for coffee. She loved like meeting up and going to Carlisle on the train and she had a great life.”

Ella has already raised £1,683 and anybody wishing to donate can do so online.