I (Drew) have been walking round (and round) the Lake District for thirteen years now and still the place continues to amaze me with its spectacular beauty. But this is something that cannot be taken for granted. Threats of development, whether claimed as being for industry (quarrying, burying nuclear waste etc.) or for tourism (like the recent proposal to run zipwires across Thirlmere), are constantly having to be beaten off, and we live under a government that has no concept at all of 'public value' and sees only resources ripe for profit and privatisation. Under these circumstances the Friends of the Lake District perform a valuable advocacy role to protect Lakeland against those who would exploit it. Clare and I want to help support the Friends through our participation in this fundraising event.

Andrew Whitworth