MORE than 1,000 fundraisers put on their walking shoes at the weekend to raise vital funds for a community hospice.
The annual Farleigh Hospice 'Walk for Life' on Sunday attracted crowds to Heybridge Basin to sign up to the challenge in memory of a loved one, or simply to support the work the hospice carries out.
And the popular day – now celebrating it's 21st anniversary – raised a total of £101,300 in sponsorship, which will now all contribute to the specialist care it provides in Chelmsford and throughout Essex.
Farleigh Hospice's marketing manager, Cheryl Bunkle, said: "In one way or another, Farleigh Hospice has touched the lives of so many people from the Chelmsford, Maldon and Braintree districts, and this is so evident at the walk. It's an important event which has come to be very well supported by so many people over the years."
Participants arrived at the Daisy Meadow car park from 8.30am onwards, with the opportunity to choose between a 22km, or 10.5km route, all ending up at Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford.
"Myself and the rest of the team at the hospice are more than grateful to every single one of the 1,107 lovely walkers who took part," added Cheryl.
"The money raised through this event will go a long way in helping the hospice's specialist team carry on making a real difference to local families affected by life limiting illnesses, when and where they need us most. It really is because you care that Farleigh Hospice can."
Farleigh Hospice needs to raise £7,850 each day through voluntary funding to continue its care services in the county.
