Jeff Townsend, his sister Julie Bingham & her dog Maya are walking the Exe Valley walk to raise funds for http://watchproject.org.uk/

Chard Watch CIC is a community project in the heart of Chard helping isolated adults come together to form valuable friendships. We have a history of understanding mental health issues and how peer support can reduce the barriers people can feel in their community. Watch also helps our members to engage in many activities that improve their mental health and well-being and build their own personal resilience.

Both Jeff and Julie have a long connection of volunteering, donating and supporting Chard Watch. Jeff says "I have lived in Somerset and Devon for nearly 60 years loving the countryside of both particularly the many varied rivers. The Exe is my favourite, rising in Somerset before flowing over 50 miles to Exmouth. Now at the age of 74 I intend to achieve a long held ambition to walk its length at the same time raising money for the charity WATCH. Nearly five years ago having just lost my wife I volunteered for WATCH and found the peer support I received gave my life meaning again now I hope to repay that kindness by raising money to help the charity continue it's inspirational work".

Julie adds "My brother Jeff mentioned to me that he would like to walk the source of the Exe to raise money for Watch. I asked Jeff if I could join him as I so enjoy walking with my flatcoat retriever Maya and would like to take the opportunity to support Jeff in raising funds for Watch, such a worthwhile cause.”

The walk is being planned to start on Sunday September 29th 2019, and will be done across 5 days. We are hoping that lots of supporters, members of Chard Watch will not only join in, but also help to raise money. Anyone interested should contact AmandaBroom.Watchproject@gmail.com for more details.

The walk starts at Exford and is split into 9 sections ranging from 4 miles up to 8 miles. Everyone is welcome to join in on any section, just let Amanda know and we'll send you the full details. An example of the walks:

First route 8 miles: Exford to Hawkridge - Sunday 29th September starting 10:30 finishing 13:10

Last route 8 miles: Exeter Quay to Starcross - Thursday 3rd October starting 15:20 finishing 18:00