Mid Sussex Hikers Step Out In The Rain For Local Hospice

This autumn saw more than 450 walkers brave the rain in the picturesque Mid Sussex countryside for St Catherine’s Hospice biggest ever Sussex Landmarks Hike. The hike saw charitable walkers complete a six, nine, or 13-mile walking route, or a three-mile nature trail, passing some of the area’s most notable landmarks including Balcombe Viaduct, Ardingly Reservoir and Wakehurst.

Starting from the South of England Showground based in Ardingly, the cross-country hike was the perfect opportunity for walking enthusiasts and nature lovers to enjoy the changing colours of autumn whilst raising funds for their local hospice. After completing their chosen route walkers relaxed with well-deserved refreshments and entertainment to celebrate the end of their hike.

Sophie Peckham, community and events fundraising manager at St Catherine’s Hospice said of the hiking fundraiser which proved a huge success for fitness fanatics: “We’re so grateful to every walker, including all our four-legged friends, who joined us yesterday, despite the rain, to make their steps count. We hope everyone enjoyed the walk as much as we did. We’re on track to raise a significant amount, which will help us reach everyone who needs us when life comes full circle.”

St Catherine’s Hospice provides terminally ill people and their family and friends with vital physical and emotional care. However, currently, the charity can only provide this special care for one in three people who need it and the charity needs the support of residents across Mid Sussex to ensure that it’s staff and volunteers can make sure that in the future no one faces death and loss alone.

It is hoped that St Catherine’s Hospice will raise £35,000 through donations from walkers and sponsorship. This will allow the hospice to offer expert care to even more local terminally ill people in the future who need it, but with the community’s help and support, it is determined to care for everyone.

A Heartfelt Thanks…

Did you see St Catherine’s 26 stunning heart sculptures which captured the hearts and minds of people in Mid Sussex in late summer and early autumn? One patient from the hospice  wanted to share why the support the local community  has shown to HeART to Heart has been so important. 

Babs who visits St Catherine’s Day Hospice every Thursday  and has found a new love for art after taking part in the hospice’s art therapy classes, she says: “When I first heard the word hospice I was really nervous, because as far as I was aware St Catherine’s was where people came to die. But once I walked through the door here, it was great. Before coming here I’d never put a brush to canvas, but I’ve loved the art classes. They’re marvellous. I create something over two hours and take it home.” 

Fancy Being Footloose?

For more information about other walking challenges that you can take on to support St Catherine’s Hospice, and the charity’s other fundraising events you can get involved with, visit: www.stch.org.uk