HOSPISCARE’S biggest ever Men’s Walk is set to raise a new record amount for the Devon based charity.

For the first time, more than 2,000 people took part in Exeter on Saturday, March 7 with more than £142,000 already donated, and the promise of more to come

The overall Men’s Walk total now stands at well over £1.1 million since it all started in 2012.

Senior Events Fundraiser Martin Stokke said: “We always expect the Men’s Walk to be a big event, as our flagship, however this year people have gone above and beyond. We had more people taking part and fundraising than ever before.”

“At its centre is an ‘in memory’ event. Many people, who have lost someone special in their lives, will bring friends along on the day to support them.”

The seven mile walk alongside the River Exe provides the perfect opportunity to remember loved ones who received Hospiscare end-of-life support in their final days.

Mark’s wife Rachel passed away in the Hospice just a few weeks ago: “It’s been emotional, but brilliant,” he said after finishing the walk.

“The Hospice looked after both of Rachel’s parents as well, so it’s got a great place in our hearts.”

“The bit that got me was actually writing her name on the back of the t-shirt.

“There were various sites around Exeter that we’d all been to together, and it was just nice to tell stories on the way round. I had all my family around me.”

“It was very empowering to see so many people coming together to raise money for a fabulous charity.”

James was also joined by his family, and walked in memory of his grandad Sam, who died almost four years ago.

He said: “Grandad was supported by Hospiscare. It’s the most positive, creative, and lovely place.”

“They looked after him brilliantly, so it felt as if we needed to give something back.”

For all those taking part, there was a well-earned bacon roll and hot drink mid-route, courtesy of the Rapid Relief Team, followed by an Exeter Brewery pint and a pasty from Chunk of Devon waiting at the finish. The Six Nations rugby games were screened in the special event marquee.

Martin Stokke added: “Over the years this event has just grown and grown because people have a great day out.”

“It’s got a bit of what everyone loves. Camaraderie, togetherness, supporting something bigger than themselves.”

“We could not do it without our headline sponsor, Wilkinson Grant. They go above and beyond to help with the promotion, and they underpin our event cost.

Roger Wilkinson, from Wilkinson Grant, said: “We use the word ‘community’ loosely. Communities are in families, they’re in schools, they’re in churches.

This has become annual calendar event, bringing people together that maybe don’t see each other that frequently, and people who see each other every day.”

Martin Stokke added: “We can’t put this event on without all the people who support us, and all of the 120 volunteers.”

“I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved. They’ve made an incredible difference to what we do as a local charity.”

Caring for around 2,200 patients every year, Hospiscare’s vital services receive just 24% funding from the Government. It relies on the incredible generosity of its community to ensure that specialist end-of-life care is provided at no cost to patients and their families.