Dozens of runners, joggers and walkers showed their love for Crossroads Lewis by participating in the charity’s 5k at the weekend.

Crossroads Lewis, which provides respite for carers and support for those living alone in certain circumstances, held its annual fifth fundraising 5k in Stornoway on Saturday.

The route has varied over the years and this time it started near the Golf Club and followed an out and back route along the Low Road in the Castle Grounds.

There were around 40 participants of all ages and abilities. Among those taking part were a contingent from the mental health and wellbeing group Run Talk Run Stornoway, many of whom have had personal experience of the Crossroads service.

Run Talk Run Stornoway group leader Donald ‘Caskie’ Macaskill said: “The work of Crossroads is so important for the island, Run Talk Run Stornoway were keen to show our support whilst supporting each other. Many of us have experienced the great work that Crossroads do and we greatly appreciate them.”

Saturday morning brought sunshine and generally good conditions for the participants.

Everyone who finished was awarded a medal and there were trophies, plus £50 restaurant vouchers, for the winning male and female – Matthew Alexander and Mary Scheepers.

The vouchers were donated by OnTime Computer Services who said Crossroads Lewis was a charity close to their hearts.

There was also a Crossroads Lewis selfie frame at the finish line and participants could lift that up and have their picture taken to tell the world: “I completed the 5k fundraiser”.

Crossroads Lewis manager Chrisell Macleod said they were pleased with how the event had gone. “It’s just such a lovely event to do, to put on.

“This is the first time we’ve ever had medals. First time we’ve ever had trophies, first time we’ve ever had prizes, so it’s been really good. And the route is easy.

“We just started out doing it as a fun thing, it wasn’t anything major.”

The event was not timed and not aimed “at serious runners” – although Chrisell said they were welcome to come too.

Chrisell also paid tribute to the team at Crossroads Lewis, saying: “Crossroads Lewis is a fantastic service for the community, which provides respite care for the carer.

“We have 24 support workers who support people who are looking after their loved ones and giving them up to four hours a week of respite, to go out and do something for themselves and enjoy their time and get away from their caring role.”

Service users are matched to their carers and Chrisell said: “It’s a wonderful job to be able to go in and know that you’re helping people. The office is the engine room and the people that go out are the absolute angels that do all the work. It’s hugely appreciated.”

One carer, Catherine Ann Macleod, spoke at the start of the event about how much the service meant to her family, as they support one of her loved ones.

She said: “I think it’s true to say that you never really understand or value the work of a local charity until you’ve had a need of that charity yourself.”

Although she had “known about Crossroads for many, many years”, it was only after the started supporting her relative that she “truly appreciated the work they do” and the value they bring “to our community and to the carers of this island”.

She said it was impossible “to put a price” on the peace of mind which Crossroads provides.

She added: “In my own experience I have nothing but amazing things to say about the work that they do. A lot of it unseen and unknown, but brings great value to those of us who look after somebody at home or in a different home.”