Skip to main content

Walk for Life is returning on Sunday 12 May

Walk for Life, the sponsored walk raising money for Farleigh Hospice, . It follows the canal towpath of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation between Heybridge and Chelmsford.

This popular event attracts keen walkers of all ages and many bring their dogs along too. There is a choice of two routes through the beautiful Essex countryside: the 12km ramble begins at Paper Mill Lock, Little Baddow and the more demanding 24km route starts at Heybridge Basin. Both finish at the Teledyne e2v offices in Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford.

Everyone taking part will receive a t-shirt at the start and a medal at the finish. Children will be given a nature trail card which they can stamp along the route.

Debbie de Boltz, Farleigh’s Fundraising Manager, said, ”Farleigh Hospice provides specialist care, free of charge, to local people and their families and carers across mid Essex who are affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement. Our charity relies on income from events like Walk for Life and so we are encouraging everyone taking part to get themselves sponsored. We are very grateful to over 500 people who took part last year, raising over £43,000.”

Susan Watson has already signed up for the 12km walk with her granddaughter. Farleigh Hospice cared for her husband, Mike, at home before he died in February last year, aged 78. The couple had been married for 52 years.

Susan said, “The lovely nurses were brilliant and made Mike laugh when they were looking after him. Farleigh also organised a hospital-type bed and a wheelchair for him which were delivered to our home.

“They absolutely made life easier for me too, requesting the necessary pain relief medication from our doctor’s surgery so I didn’t need to do it myself, which took that pressure off me. I’m getting sponsored by my family to thank them for their kindness.

“Farleigh Hospice provides a wonderful service that people couldn’t manage without. It’s a charity that needs our support.”

It costs £20 for adults to take part in Walk for Life and £5 for under 16s if you register before midnight on 9 May. On the day prices are £25 for adults and £10 for under 16s. For more information or to sign up now, click here.

Mike and Susan Watson celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary