ST Clare Hospice in Hastingwood once again hosted its annual Winter Walkies fundraiser on Sunday (23rd February 2020), with dozens of local people and their pups turning out to support the charity.

Winter Walkies is a canine-inspired, charity fundraising event held every February at the Hospice in Hastingwood (CM17 9JX). Participants take part in a 5k, sponsored dog-walk through the surrounding Essex countryside, courtesy of the local Paris Hill Farm who each year offer their picturesque fields and farmland for walkers to enjoy.

Over 160 walkers and their dogs braved the wintry weather on Sunday and contributed towards raising an estimated £3,000 in vital funds for the West Essex and East Hertfordshire based charity. That could be enough to fund over 60 home visits from a Hospice at Home nursing assistant to provide vital care and emotional support to a person with a life-limiting illness, in the comfort of their own home.

Events Fundraiser at St Clare, Emma Broadbent, said, “Another year, another absolutely fantastic turnout at Winter Walkies, despite the temperamental weather! People came in spite of the wind and rain, which shows just how much of a favourite the event is. We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone (and their furry friends) who came along and helped to generate thousands of pounds for our hospice care. Winter Walkies is such a fun way to support a local charity; it’s an opportunity to come together with friends, take part in a country walk, and the dogs love it too!”

“We host various events to help raise vital funding for St Clare throughout the year, though none quite as cute as Winter Walkies! If you’re looking to get some family-fun dates in the diary for 2020, then head over to our website where you’ll find all kinds of events throughout the year!”

For more events in aid of St Clare Hospice, visit stclarehospice.org.uk/events