GRATITUDE for the help she received as a young carer has inspired a Tebay woman to take on a marathon walk.

Imogen Clark will be stepping out with her beloved French hunting hound, Gadget, and a group colleagues from Kendal's Arnold Clark Vauxhall car dealership on Sunday, July 21 - walking the 26 miles to Morecambe's Vauxhall showroom.

The team are raising money for Carer Support South Lakes - formerly South Lakeland Carers - a charity close to Imogen's heart.

She and her brothers were given a lifeline by the charity when their mum Gill was struck down by reactive arthritis ten years ago.

"They were just amazing," said Imogen, 23.

"We received a great amount of support. It was a really horrible time and we couldn't have done it without them."

The family lived outside Sedbergh "in the middle of nowhere", their nearest neighbours half a mile away. However, the charity would send taxis to pick the siblings up so they could enjoy some time off by taking part in Young Carers activities, day trips to places like Blackpool, and summer camps.

Fortunately, mum Gill's health has now fully recovered, but Imogen has never forgotten the charity's help and now wants to give something back.

She is hoping people will sponsor the 26-mile walk by visiting the Vauxhall showroom on Mintsfeet Industrial Estate or by giving online at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KendalArnoldClark

Car retailer Arnold Clark has pledged to match every pound raised up to £1,000.