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 four years ago and at that time wanted to give something back to the community so I started "Walk for Wellness" - two weekly walking groups, all voluntary.  I adapted the groups during the Covid lockdowns, doing individual walks and then limited to groups of 6 and now happily 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.  In fact a couple of my walking group work at the hospice and another member received fantastic support during her husband's illness and he was looked after there in his final days.

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 and I did it last year, but because of Covid people were being asked to do it individually, with their own routes.  This year it was meant to go back to the usual format with a route from Sandbanks to Lymington and the option to do 7, 13 or 26 miles.  Unfortunately it has been postponed to next year but as a group we wanted to do the walk anyway so there are at least 12 of us going to walk on the same day around Milford on sea and Lymington; several of my walking group are doing 13 miles, some maybe 10 miles or less and as I wanted to make it a real challenge for me personally, I have opted for the full marathon.  The aim is to reach 100 miles between us in one day.

Oakhaven Hospice provides specialist palliative care and support to those facing life-limiting illness and their loved ones in both a home and hospice setting.  Their team of specialist Oakhaven nurses, doctors, counsellors and physiotherapists ease physical symptoms and offer psychological, spiritual and social support.  Their care is tailored to suit the needs of each individual and, with a blend of expertise and compassion, the team offers support for people when they need it most.

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.