Brother’s Chichester 10k run in memory of New Milton councillor Charles Baker raises thousands for Oakhaven Hospice

THE brother of a New Milton town councillor who died from a brain tumour put his best foot forward to raise thousands for Oakhaven Hospice.

William Baker (46), a teacher from Petersfield who grew up in New Milton, ran the Chichester 10k recently in memory of Cllr Dr Charles Baker (48), who passed away in September last year.

As reported in the A&T, Charles’ death came just months after he was elected onto the town council as a Liberal Democrat member on the Ballard ward.

Pennington-based Oakhaven, which relies on donations, provided palliative care in his final days.

This inspired William to take up a fundraising challenge to show his gratitude for the support.

He completed two laps of the Goodwood motor racing circuit, around which stars including Sir Stirling Moss, David Coulthard and Damon Hill have driven.

Running alongside friend Rob Calder, William was given moral support by his wife Nikki and nine-year-old daughter Emily.

“We finished the run in one hour and four minutes; not quick but we did keep running all the way,” he told the A&T afterwards.

“The weather held and there was a really nice atmosphere around the racetrack.

“My brother Charles was a great sport lover, so it seemed fitting to do something active in his memory to help raise money.”

Praising the “fantastic” team at Oakhaven for the care given to his late brother, William was overwhelmed to have raised over £1,300 so far.

He added: “I am sure the money raised will help to give other people and their families much-needed support at a difficult time”.

Donations can still be made via his JustGiving page at tinyurl.com/ywa4phkv