Pennyfarthing-sponsored Oakhaven hospice walk raises more than £168,000

IT was a record-smashing Oakhaven walk this year with both the total raised and number of walkers hitting new heights.

A total of £168,700 was raised as 665 participants strolled from Lymington, Mudeford or Barton to Sandbanks. Walkers of all ages enjoyed perfect weather.

Jill West, community and events fundraising manager for the Pennington hospice, said: “A huge thank you to all the walkers and everyone who supported our fundraising walk.

“You joined together to make every moment matter for your local hospice and have raised a record-breaking amount in sponsorship.”

She also praised the volunteers who “kept our walkers going with your smiles and encouragement”.

Land & Wave, the Beachcomber Café and Hoburne Naish Holiday Park, Rapid Relief and Harvest Fine Foods and Keyhaven yacht club provided water and snacks.

The walk is sponsored by Pennyfarthing Homes who are also supporting it up to 2027.

Matt Dukes, managing director at Pennyfarthing who joined in the walk said: “Our connections with the local community run deep in this beautiful part of England, including with the Oakhaven Hospice.

“All of us take immense pride in knowing that we are making a difference to this invaluable charity and the people it supports. The Oakhaven Hospice doesn’t just provide end-of-life care, it offers crucial support to the whole family, friends and loved ones – helping to ease the pain during one of life’s most difficult times.”

In addition to caring for patients in the hospice Oakhaven Wellbeing provides specialist support to the terminally ill.

All funds raised will help to fund Oakhaven’s day-to-day running costs, which last year amounted to £9 million and of which only 11% is covered by the NHS.

To donate visit: www.oakhavenhospice.co.uk/support-us, phone 01590 677773 or email fundraising@oakhavenhospice.co.uk.