Wessex Cancer Trust’s biggest annual fundraising event, Walk for Hope, returns to the New Forest for its fourth year on Sunday 7th June, and the charity would love more walkers than ever to put their best foot forward and raise vital funds for local people living with cancer.
Three hundred people and 30 dogs took part in the 2019 walk. Together they raised £50,000.
Participants can choose from a five, 10 or 20-mile route, making the event accessible for supporters of all ages and abilities.
Dan Bateman, who lives in West End, walked the ten-mile route in 2019 with his wife Ashleen who had recently been diagnosed with cancer.
He said:
The months leading up to the walk had obviously been really tough for us, so taking part in Walk for Hope was something really positive to focus on. Everyone who took part was really friendly and because we’ve all been touched by cancer in some way, there was a real sense of community and support. It wasn’t a race because we really felt like we were on the same team.
Dan says he recognises that taking part in a charity event can be daunting, but advises anyone thinking about it to, “go for it”:
Walk for Hope was great because it was challenging, but there was a choice of distances so as many people as possible could get involved. You can view it as a gentle stroll or be more competitive with yourself. Ten miles tested us more than we had thought and the legs were a bit sore the next day, but we felt a real sense of achievement when we crossed the finish line. We were spurred on by everyone around us and knowing we were doing it for a brilliant cause. And of course the promise of a burger at the end!
Catherine Lawry from Wessex Cancer Trust who’s organising the event, said:
The peace and beauty of the New Forest make it a fitting setting to come together to give hope to friends and family undergoing cancer treatment, to remember loved ones and to support everyone affected by cancer, and we would love 2020 to be the biggest and best yet.
Entrants will receive an official Walk for Hope t-shirt, training and fundraising tips, and membership to our Team Wessex Facebook group where they can meet other supporters and share fundraising ideas and photos. After being cheered over the finish line, walkers will receive a medal and celebrate with well-earned refreshments.
Tickets are £15 for a child under 16, £25 for adults and £75 for a team of four, with a sponsorship goal of £200. Visit Wessex Cancer Trust for more information and to sign up, or contact Catherine.lawry@wessexcancer.org.uk.
All of the money raised will be used to provide practical and emotional support to people living with cancer in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. The event is being sponsored by Irwin Mitchell Solicitors.
