Walk for Life for Farleigh Hospice

The Walk for Life for Farleigh Hospice will take place on Sunday, May 10, with two routes to choose from.

There will be a 23km walk from Heybridge to Chelmsford and a 10.5km walk from Paper Mill Lock to Chelmsford.

As the two routes are not circular, coaches will be provided at the finish point to take walkers bakc to the start of their chosen route.

Last year, 1,300 people took part in the event and raised an impressive £113,565 between them.

Ann Johnson, Pauline Johnson and Janet Bateman from St Lawrence WI took part last year and are the faces of this year’s campaign.

Ann said: “Farleigh Hospice was our chosen charity in 2014, so determined to have fun and led by Pauline, our president, Jan, our treasurer, and myself, we set off clad in waterproofs and wearing big smiles on our faces.

“Farleigh Hospice’s organisation of the event was terrific, from being taken by coach to our start at Paper Mill Lock, to the hot drink and snacks which were available along the way.

“After setting off with hundreds of others, the rest break at Sandford Lock was much appreciated.

“Tea and cake and energy bars and a loo were just what we needed.

“We were passed by quite a few athletic walkers who were going for the full 23km route and gave them an encouraging cheer as they passed us.

“Shortly after Sandford Lock we saw several fundraisers paddling their paddle boards against a strong head wind.

“Passing each kilometre marker kept our spirits up.”

St Lawrence WI raised abour £705 in sponsorship from the walk and a further £756 from a charity sale on the May Bank Holiday soon after.There is a £10 registration fee for adult walkers and a £5 fee for children under 16 (must be accompanied by an adult) which goes towards the cost of a T-shirt and the overall administration of the event.

The last date to pre-register is April 29.

For more information, visit farleighhospice.org/walkforlife You can also call the fundraising team on 01245 457408 or email events@farleighhospice.org