Walkers hit the trail to show support for our Sussex hospices

Walkers from across Sussex put their best foot forward when they took part in the fourth annual Walk The Hospice Trail Day.
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It was organised by Friends of Sussex Hospices to raise awareness of the vital work of hospice care providers. Groups of up to six set off from locations along the 200-mile Trail and raised funds for their local hospices.

Kathy Gore, chair of Friends of Sussex Hospices, said: “The trail is a unique route which connects 13 hospice areas across Sussex. I walked the whole trail in July and I am delighted how it’s being used to enjoy our beautiful countryside and to raise funds – the trail has raised over £65,000 since it was created.

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“It was designed originally to help raise awareness of our hospices and how they deliver their services. We are highlighting that more than two-thirds of hospice care is given to people in their own homes, not in hospice buildings.

Valerie Chidson at Portslade SUS-201013-102944001Valerie Chidson at Portslade SUS-201013-102944001
Valerie Chidson at Portslade SUS-201013-102944001

“All our hospices have seen increased demand for their services in the community in people’s homes, through specialist palliative care in-reach to hospitals and supporting care homes.

“While the cash injection hospices received from Government was greatly appreciated, most hospices will end this financial year in deficit and, with little hope of more funding and greater expected demand for their services over the coming 18 months, are bracing for a challenging time ahead.”

Chichester MP Gillian Keegan joined the St Wilfrid’s Hospice group on the trail and said: “Hospices provide care and comfort to patients and families during the most difficult time in their lives. We are very lucky, right across Sussex, to have so many brilliant hospices with such experienced, caring and dedicated staff.

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“That is why I joined the 10-mile section of the Trail with the fantastic team from St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Bosham. I encourage anyone who can to walk a section of the trail whenever they can to support this incredible network of care.”

St Michaels Hospice team at Battle Station SUS-201013-102920001St Michaels Hospice team at Battle Station SUS-201013-102920001
St Michaels Hospice team at Battle Station SUS-201013-102920001

Soline Jerram, chair of St Wilfrid’s, said: “We hope our walk will have encouraged others to get active and help raise vital awareness and funds for the many hundreds of patients and families we are proud to look after.”

Alison Sampson led a team from St Michael’s Hospice in St Leonards, and said: “We spent a lovely day walking in small groups of friends whilst raising much needed funds for our hospice.”

Fiona Taylor, from Batchellor Monkhouse’s Battle office, who donated to St Michael’s in memory of two special friends, said: “We had a great walk from Crowhurst to Battle.”

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Sue Korman, who devised the trail said: “All the walks with maps are available for free on the AllTrails app and there are 26 sections with walks to suit everyone.”