Inspiring pictures from children’s hospice 30th Morecambe cross bay walk which raised over £10k

Dressed in their signature Derian green T-shirts, 91 walkers and 10 enthusiastic dogs set off across the seven-mile stretch of sand and tide on Saturday (April 25).

At points, they waded through water reaching knee height as they took on one of the hospice’s best-loved fundraising events, which has now been running for 30 years.

And to top it off, participants raised an incredible £10,651.83 for the hospice, which provides care and support for more than 400 children and their families every year.

Amongst those taking part was Andy Privett, whose son Jacob, 12, and his family, are supported by Derian House.

The Privetts were one of 13 families who were able to visit Walt Disney World Florida last year through the charity, courtesy of a mystery donor.

“Derian House help and care for my son Jacob, and support us all as a family, so it’s always a pleasure to get involved in the charity’s events so that we can help them continue what they do,” said Andy, of Leyland, who took part with family dog, Ralph the Cockapoo.

“I took part in Morecambe Bay Walk for Derian House to help me prepare for a much bigger challenge for Derian House later this year – the 30-mile Sahara Desert Trek. I got to meet some of my fellow desert trekkers, and get to know them before we take on the adventure of a lifetime.

“My son Jacob is an amazing little boy with such strength, resilience and he amazes me every single day. Which is why I’ll be walking across the Sahara Desert to raise as much money as I can for Derian House. But the challenge is also a chance for me to find myself, and take a break from a busy life as a parent of a child who needs complex care every single day.

“I really enjoyed the walk across the Bay for Derian House, it was really easy-paced and sunny too. If you can, please donate to the hospice if you can to help them carry on with the amazing work they do for children and families.”

Entry to the Morecambe Bay Walk is free, with participants asked to raise a minimum of £50 each in support of Derian House.

Kerry Salmon, community fundraiser at Derian House Children's Hospice, said: “Blue skies, beautiful scenery and brilliant supporters are what make the Morecambe Bay Walk such a memorable day every year. It was great to see so many of our future Sahara Desert trekkers there too!

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Guide Over Sands Trust for safely guiding us across the bay once again, and a huge thank you to everyone who took part and raised such an amazing amount for the children and families we support.

“It costs £6m to run Derian House in 2026, and we receive only limited government funding. That means we rely on the kindness of our community to raise 70p of every £1 needed to keep our vital services going.”

Derian House cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West, helping them to make the most of every moment.

Find out more at https://www.derianhouse.co.uk/