Essex woman family in charity walk after cancer diagnosis

The much-loved Walk for Life, in aid of Farleigh Hospice, took place last week in celebration of Farleigh’s 40th birthday.

More than 450 walkers took part in the popular sponsored walk from Maldon to Chelmsford, which returned after a two-year break.

Participants chose between two routes along the towpath of the Chelmer and Blackwater navigation.

The 12km ramble began at Paper Mill Lock and the more demanding 24km route started at the Heybridge Basin, both finished at Teledyne e2v in Chelmsford.

Many of the participants had a personal connection with Farleigh, including 16 members of Carol Palmer’s family from Essex and Warwickshire.

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Carol, who lives in Great Notley, was referred to the hospice in February after a diagnosis of inoperable pancreatic and liver cancer.

The family took on the 12km walk with Carol’s dog Henry, forming “Henry’s gang”.

Carol said: “I’ve been with Farleigh Hospice since I was diagnosed and I want to do whatever I can to fundraise for them.

“It’s still quite early days for me in terms of my diagnosis, I’ve only just started my chemo, so I haven’t needed much support from Farleigh yet.

“That said, it’s a great comfort to me knowing that they are there and that they have a range of services to help and support both me, and my family as we need it.”

Debbie de Boltz, fundraising manager at Farleigh Hospice, added: “It was great to be able to hold Walk for Life again after a two-year hiatus.

“It has always been a hit among the local community and we were delighted that it was well attended again this year by both previous participants and new walkers.

“This year is a very special year for us as we are celebrating our 40th birthday and every penny raised will go towards securing the future of our care for the next 40 years and beyond.”

To donate to Farleigh Hospice’s 40th birthday appeal go to farleighhospice.org/40-memories.