A CHALLENGE has been made to all readers … to undertake a tough walking challenge to help raise funds for the work of the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Tilehurst.
The centre, which offers specialist palliative care and bereavement support, wants people to sign up to its Cotswold Way Challenge – a 100km (60 mile) loop, with stunning views of rolling hills and picturesque villages.
It is hoped that 2,000 people will take part over the weekend of June 25 and 26.
There are three routes across the two days: the full 100km, 50km, or 25km.
For those who want to take part in the full and continuous 100-kilometre route, participants will set out from Cirencester on the Saturday morning and head north into the rolling green hills of the Cotswolds. There is a 2,250M ascent which, whilst testing your legs, will reward you with some of the UK’s most breath-taking views for miles around. Every 12 -13 kilometres, there are refreshments stops, with a main halfway stop in Wotton, before heading south back towards Cirencester.
Individuals challenging themselves to take part in this ultra-event will receive full support and hospitality, including optional accommodation at the basecamp in Cirencester, depending on where you are travelling from and which version of the challenge you choose.
Previous participants and sisters Abi Donald and Georgie Cooper took part last year in memory of their mum and aunt.
Their aunt, Eve Bentham, was cared for at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in 2020 and their mum, Alison Duncan, was cared for at Sue Ryder’s Leckhampton Court Hospice in Gloucestershire in 2018.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to share with my sister and for us to have so much time together to talk about our mum and our aunt,” says Abi.
“One thing I hadn’t expected was how enjoyable and fun it would be meeting the other people on the walk, all people doing great things for different reasons and different causes. People who raise money through challenges like this are by and large going to be very lovely and a bit mad.
“We are just very happy to have raised money for Sue Ryder who helped our family so much. The whole team at Sue Ryder supported us throughout the experience with messages of support and thanks. It’s been like having our own fan club.
She adds: “Sue Ryder is the most amazing charity which has supported our family with kindness through the toughest of times. Their care allowed our mum and aunt to be surrounded by family at home and in an environment that was safe, comfortable, dignified and full of love.”
And Georgia Thornton, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, says the team are grateful to people like Abi and Georgie who lend their time and effort to raise money in this way
“It really does make a huge difference and we cannot thank our supporters enough – regardless of how much they raise,” she says.
“We really hope lots of people are keen to challenge themselves and sign up to the Cotswold Way Challenge. It is a fantastic event and the money raised really does make a huge difference.
“All funds raised by participants this year will help us continue to provide the expert care we are so well-known for in the local community, and fill last days with love.”
Registration is now open. For more details, log on to: ultrachallenge.com/cotswold-way-challenge.
