Inspired by the fundraising of Captain Tom earlier this year, a local man has embarked on his own challenge to protect the vital care provided at a Carlisle hospice.
In early October Dr Charles Hanson began his own fundraising efforts as he walks 86 miles in 86 days before his 86th Birthday on 29 December 2020. The challenge is special for Charles as he raises money to help Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice provide vital care, support and compassion to local people with life limiting illnesses.
Charles, 85 from Wetheral, explained, “I began my fundraising as I picked up the Protect Your Local Hospice leaflet which Don Marks prepared and I could see that it was a very good cause.
“I’ve always enjoyed walking, but I started to walk more at the beginning of lockdown because we were allowed out for exercise twice a day and I have kept it up ever since.”
After just one month of walking Charles has almost reached the halfway point of his target distance as he enjoys walks around his local area. If Charles continues at this pace, he expects to reach the 86 mile distance at the end of November, but his walking challenge won’t stop there. Charles has pledged to keep walking until his birthday to see how far he can walk in 86 days.
Charles continued, “I have enjoyed meeting people and seeing our beautiful landscape whilst out walking. From March when there were no leaves on the trees, through the seasons, the leaves have come back and now they are pretty well gone.
“The worst part is when you set out in the dry and then a horrible big shower comes from nowhere and you end up drenched.”
To date, the kindness and generosity of Charles’ family and friends has seen him raise over £5,400 in pledged donations for his 86 mile walk. The money raised by Charles will help Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw to provide the highest standards of care, support and activities to local families with life limiting illnesses.
Patricia Livsey, Chief Executive at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, said “It is truly wonderful that Charles will walk 86 miles for his 86th birthday – this is an amazing achievement. We are so grateful that Charles is giving all the sponsorship he receives for this incredible fete to help the charitable funds at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Children’s Hospice.
“This year, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, our charitable funding has been devastated and so Charles’ endeavours will be such a huge help to our finances. On behalf of everyone at the hospice I would like to say a MASSIVE thank you to Charles.”
Charles continued, “If people would like to make a donation they can call me on 01228 560337 or they can go direct to Eden Valley Hospice and say they have heard about my walk and as a result they feel inclined to contribute.
“The hospice needs every penny it can raise. It’s a wonderful cause to support those near the end of their lives. If you are thinking about fundraising for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw please press on and do it.”
As key workers, both the clinical and support staff teams at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw are here for the local community. The hospice is open and doing all it can during these times to continue to provide care and compassion to those in need, whilst following strict guidelines. The hospice is here for the local community and still supporting the NHS.
If you are inspired by Dr Charles’ 86 Mile Walk in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw and would like to make a donation please contact Charles directly on 01228 560337, contact the hospice Fundraising Team on 01228 810801 or make a donation online at www.edenvalleyhospice.org or www.jigsawhospice.org, simply add ‘Dr Charles’ Walk’ in the message section when making a donation.
To find out how you can help protect the future of your local hospice please visit the websites above or email [email protected] or contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 810801.