Ridgeway Hikers complete 80 mile walk for charity

A group of Ridgeway Hikers were cheered on by family and friends as they crossed over the finish line on Sunday afternoon after completing a four day hike along the Ridgeway in aid of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity.

Covering over 184,000 steps and burning off 13,900 calories, the walkers covered 80 miles over the four days across the historic paths of The Ridgeway.  Not only was this a personal achievement for each walker, as a group they have raised almost £30,000 for the charity.

“We are so grateful to all the walkers who have shown great commitment to the Hike, giving up their weekends to build up their stamina and getting their friends and family to sponsor them to raise an amazing amount,” said Claire Redrup, Public Fundraising Manager at the charity.  “Every penny that they have raised will help us continue to fund specialist hospice care in Buckinghamshire for the hundreds of patients and families who access this care each year.”

Jo Turner, CEO of the charity, decided to join the walk herself this year.

“I love a good walk but don’t generally manage 20 miles for four days on the trot! It was fabulous and such a privilege to be part of the team: walking this beautiful route together and raising funds for our wonderful Florence Nightingale Hospice. Literally, I suppose going that extra mile in recognition of the Florence nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals. Many of those walking had seen the power of hospice care directly making the event very moving, especially when we crossed the finish line together at the end.”