Charity walkers raise over £30,000 for local hospice

Around 250 charity supporters took to the streets of Winchester this evening to help raise funds for the local hospice.

The Purple Night Walk covered 6km and before walkers had even set off, they’d raised over £30,000 for Winchester Hospice to help care for people living with a life-limiting illness.

Ahead of the walk, the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith addressed the gathered crowd to thank the hospice for the care they’ve given to local people since it opened three years ago. He also thanked the people of Winchester for their ongoing support of the charity.

He was joined by Donna Coombs, Matron at the hospice, who was pleased to see so many familiar faces in the crowd, having cared for many of their loved ones. She said the whole hospice team was incredibly grateful for the fundraising that everyone had undertaken ahead of the walk and was astonished that they’d raised so much before they took a single step.

Tina Icough was taking part to thank the staff who cared for her mum when she died at the hospice just a few weeks ago. She said: “I can’t fault them. Everyone was just so nice and it was so relaxed. They made it much easier for me too. I was able to let people in to help and I knew, when I had to leave, that she was being well looked after. I’m doing this for them, to thank them.”

The walk commenced at 7pm and was led by the Mayor and the hospice’s Head of Charity, Mark Hainy. Walkers then completed their steps through the historic city before ending at the west door of Winchester Cathedral when they collected their medal and gathered together for a group photo before heading home for a well-earned rest.

Jo Westerman, Fundraising Officer for the charity, said: “We’ve had a wonderful turnout and it’s been a really special evening for all those here. Many people were taking part in memory of someone who had been supported by the hospice at the end of their life and were walking to raise money to thank the staff for their care. The money they’ve raised tonight will go towards ensuring we’re able to offer that same compassionate care to other local families.”