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 five years ago and at that time wanted to give something back to the community so I started two weekly walking groups, all voluntary.  I kept the groups going through lockdown and they are still going strong.

The pandemic has shown us the importance of fitness and also social contact and it was 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 two other members' husbands were looked after there in their final days and the walkers likewise received fantastic support during their husbands' illnesses.

Family illnesses in recent years have also 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 of 26, 13 or 7 miles, usually from Sandbanks to Lymington but it was cancelled the last two years after Covid so I did it individually around Milford on sea and Lymington. 

This year unfortunately I am in Arizona on the day of the walk so I have decide to do it anyway - IN THE DESERT!  So my "desert dare" will be 26 miles in (A LOT) more than 26 degree heat (hopefully avoiding any snakes) to be completed on 21 May (the day after the official event).

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.