I am a qualified personal trainer and ex-lawyer with a real passion for fitness, and have completed 4 formal marathons (running) and various other charity events and endurance challenges.

I moved to the New Forest almost exactly three years ago and at that time wanted to give something back to the community so I started two weekly walking groups, all voluntary.  I adapted the groups during lockdown, first doing individual walks and then limited to groups of 6 and hoping from 17 May to go back to larger groups.

The pandemic has shown us the importance of fitness and also social contact and it has been a lifeline for many during these difficult times.

The people I have met and befriended as a result of my walks have enabled me to really feel involved in the community and I know how important Oakhaven Hospice is for local people.  Family illnesses in recent years have shown to me the importance of hospices and how much the care and kindness  provided makes a difficult time slightly easier to cope with. 

The Hospice Walk is an annual event but this year is slightly different in that people are being asked to do it individually, with their own routes, but all on 15 May 2021.  There is the option to do 7, 11 or 26 miles but I wanted to make it a real challenge so have opted for the full marathon and will be doing this on my own in a circular double loop around Milford and Lymington.

With only a small proportion of their costs funded by government sources, every donation makes a difference, enabling Oakhaven to continue providing exceptional care, comfort and support to patients facing end of life and their loved ones, both within the Hospice itself and out in the New Forest, Totton and Waterside community.