A LOCAL family plans to honour a husband and father, George Pert, by joining the annual fundraising event that was close to his heart, the Hospiscare Men’s Walk 2023 which will take place on March 18.

George was a firm supporter of the charity, which supports patients and their families living with a terminal illness across Exeter, Mid and East Devon.

He and his dog, Ruaraidh (Gaelic for Rory), took part in the annual fundraising Men’s Walk event every year until 2021 when illness prevented him from doing so.

George was diagnosed with prostate cancer later that year.

Despite his diagnosis, George was determined to take part in Men’s Walk 2022 to support the local charity during its emergency Save our Services Appeal.

George refused to let his illness get in his way and completed Men’s Walk with the support of his faithful four-legged friend, as well as wife Veronica and son Matthew.

He also fulfilled his ambition to join his fellow supporters on the event day at Double Locks.

Veronica said: “When George first took part in Men’s Walk, he was really fit and healthy and of course we never thought that he would need Hospiscare’s services.

“When he became ill, I didn’t want him to push himself but he was so determined to take part last year.

“He knew he would be able to raise a lot of money for Hospiscare.

“George was so courageous. He faced the prospect of dying in such a head-on way.

“The hospice were really brilliant when he was ill – they gave us so much support.

“He had a bed at home and when he was transferred to the ward, the biggest thing he was worried about was whether Ruaraidh could visit! “Ruaraidh is quite a bouncy dog and I was worried about him jumping all over the place on the ward, but I couldn’t believe it – he was like a different dog.

“When the hospice called to tell us it was time, we took Ruaraidh because that’s what George wanted. It was like he knew. He went straight up to George and put his head on him and laid down.”

Men’s Walk is a vital form of income for the hospice, which receives just 18 per cent of its funding from the NHS.

The Hospiscare Men’s Walk 2023 will take place on Saturday, March 18 from 11am to 7.30pm starting and finishing at the Double Locks in Exeter, or entrants can choose their own route and location.

Entry is £25 per person for the original or chosen route, £120 for a group of six, or £200 for a group of 10.

Proceeds from the event will make a huge difference to the local community.

To book or for more information visit: www.hospiscare.co.uk/events/mens-walk/ .

Nora Parminter