Oakhaven Hospice’s Oaktober challenge sees community raise nearly £20,000

A MONTH-long challenge to raise much-needed funds for Lymington’s Oakhaven Hospice has seen nearly £20,000 collected.

Individuals, groups and businesses came together to do “something different” for the charity’s Oaktober drive.

A number of local nurseries and schools took part in the ‘Wear It Green’ dress-up day on Friday 20th October, and Lymington Junior School held a cake sale to support the hospice.

Setting themselves the gruelling challenge of running 500km over the course of that month, the Thomas family raised more than £1,000.

And pupil Wilf Smith took on the Kent Classic 47km bike ride, collecting more than £600. Wilf had been involved in Oakhaven’s Acorn Project, during which he spent time with patients and volunteers.

Businesses supported the initiative in a variety of fun and original ways, including a ‘Come Dine with Me’ event at Clayhill House B&B in Lyndhurst, a 24-hour dance-a-thon at Mornington Court care home in New Milton, and a special ‘Oak-Thai-ber’ menu at Lanes of Lymington.

Stylists at Sharp Hair in the town raised £1,145 by cycling, running or walking a combined 110 miles and completing 4,650 squats.

Salon owner Angela Griffiths said: “It was our 15th year of business in Lymington, and each year we support a charity, so we decided on a manageable challenge for the amazing OAKtober event.

“It was a 15-20 minute challenge over 31 days, so anyone could do it – we smashed the target by completing 133 miles.”

Oakhaven’s community fundraising manager, Jill West, thanked all those who took part in Oaktober.

“We were delighted to hear about the challenges taken on by individuals, families, schools, groups and businesses throughout our catchment area - and beyond,” she said. “One family sent us a photo of them ‘Wearing It Green’ in Australia!

“Whether donating loose change in ‘Oaktober change pots’, holding a cake sale or taking on a challenge, every donation will help Oakhaven to support patients and their loved ones.”

Funds raised, which totalled £19,550, will help Oakhaven Hospice support local people throughout the New Forest and Waterside areas at the most difficult of times.

As well as its hospice services, Oakhaven helps patients with life-limiting illnesses in their own homes and provides wellbeing support at its purpose-built Coates Centre.

For more information, visit www.oakhavenhospice.co.uk