Week 11 of lockdown and as we pause to reflect what has happened we are still in awe of the national community spirit. The adaptability to change, the support network, and the new friends we have made throughout this process.

We are an Association of passionate individuals all operating independent businesses across the Lake District and Cumbria within the hospitality and tourism industry. Sadly we have had to face the reality of temporarily closing our businesses, furloughing our staff and are left unsure as to when we will be able to resume business again.

With any obstacle comes hope, and together we want to recognise and celebrate individuals that have kept us all smiling and continue to provide that light at the end of the very long lockdown tunnel.

Real Hero, Real Lakes
That's why we have decided, collectively, to create and launch a nationwide campaign to celebrate the unsung Heros across the UK. This could be the milkman, a carer, a grandparent, a neighbour or simply a new-found friend waving to you each day.

Weekly prize giveaway
This weekly prize giveaway is to recognise individuals who have provided invaluable support over the pandemic lockdown period. We are asking the British public to nominate their ‘hero’.

Each year, 15.8 million tourists, visitors and day trippers visit our beautiful County and we can’t wait to welcome them back when the time is right and it is safe to do so. We know how tough the last few weeks have been for the entire country, and we want to recognise those who have gone the extra mile to support a friend, loved one or even a stranger. We want to show our appreciation, our gratitude and overall to say a huge thank you to all those individuals who have kept this nation going.

The donated giveaways come from across the Lakes District and Cumbria and include Hotel stays, attraction and experience tickets. Ranging from luxury spa hotels retailing at £600 per night to tickets in the Lakeland Motor museum. The collaboration will provide each lucky winner with a chance to enjoy an overnight stay to explore and enjoy the Lakes District, for free.

Participants include: Storrs Hall, Windermere Lake Cruises, Armathwaite Hall, Castle Green Hotel, Honister Mines and Treetop Trek, to name a few.

We know so many people have had to cancel holidays, miss milestone birthdays, skip anniversaries and pause weddings. Once our doors, gates, stiles and bridges have all been allowed to open again, we want to celebrate and provide the nation with something to look forward to, again.

You can keep up to date with the competition on Facebook and Instagram

The prize will be available once lockdown has been removed.

To find out more, or to nominate your own hero, please visit Real Lakes/Heroes