Part 1
Catherine Williamson | The Price of Admission
In August 2026, Catherine Williamson joined a group of women walking the Cumbria Way, from Ulverston to Carlisle, raising awareness and funds for West Cumbrian mental health charity Always Another Way.
Catherine freely admits she’s not a natural hiker. For her, walking is often simply the price of admission to spending time with extraordinary people.
From the moment she met Lyn Cavaghan, Chief Executive of Always Another Way, Catherine was hugely impressed by her energy, determination and commitment to making a difference.
So when Lyn called for support for the fundraising challenge, Catherine was quick to rally the troops. Although, with hindsight, she suspects she may have rather oversold the holiday element!
Because none of them quite appreciated what they were signing up for.
While much of the country basked in sunshine, the walkers battled torrential rain, challenging terrain and conditions that tested them physically and emotionally.
What followed was five days of aching limbs, laughter, friendship and profoundly moving encounters with people whose lives had been affected by mental health challenges and suicide.
In Cumberland, suicide rates have been recorded at approximately 78% above the England average, a sobering reminder of why organisations like Always Another Way matter so much.
In this opening episode, Catherine reflects on the experience, the extraordinary people she met and why her love affair with West Cumbria continues to deepen.
And why, despite everything the weather threw at them, the company made every mile worthwhile.
*****
Did you know that Assa Marra has become a community interest company?
We work specifically in West Cumbria to help young people develop confidence around communication.
To donate please click on the link.
https://www.givengain.com/project/Always-Another-Cumbria-Way-Team
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