This year’s Hospiscare Men’s Walk is on Saturday 07 March. This will be my tenth walk in support of our local hospice, but my involvement this time will be slightly different. As I am away in London that weekend, I will be doing my own walk with a friend during the week beginning Monday 09 March. We will follow the usual route from the Countess Wear swing bridge along by the canal to the Miller’s Crossing bridge and back to Countess Wear under their “Men’s Walk Your Way” scheme. The distance will be the same 7 miles. The only difference is that I will miss the communal “pint and pasty” celebrations watching the rugby at the Double Locks at the end of the walk, so we may have to call in at the Tally Ho instead!

Hospiscare is our local charity which cares for terminally ill patients and their families across Exeter, Mid and East Devon. Its teams of doctors and clinical nurse specialists offer free and expert end-of-life care. This is made available both at the patient’s own home and at Searle House near the RD&E in Exeter, where overnight accommodation is available for the families of those who are reaching the end.

Last year with your kind support I was able to raise over £1,500 during the Men’s Walk. The reductions in funding from Central Government and from the local Care Board mean that your donations remain essential to ensure that these vital services are there for others when required.

The day will be particularly poignant for me this year as I will be walking in memory of Dave – my very good friend of over 50 years – who sadly passed away last July. He and his family were hugely grateful for the support which Hospiscare gave them, particularly when immediate help from their medical practice was not available.

I would like all local people to be able to access this vital end-of-life care when they most need it, and your help with this is really important to me. Please don't take our local hospice for granted. Sponsor me and show your support today. Thank you.