A FUNDRAISER held in aid of a New Forest hospice has so far raised more than £30,000 - the largest amount in the event's history.
More than 200 people put their best foot forward in a bid to net vital funds for Oakhaven Hospice, the Lymington facility that supports families across the district.
Entrants walked along the coastal path between Lymington and Poole, enjoying stunning views of the Solent as they went.
Some chose to complete a seven-mile section while others decided to tackle two longer routes that involved hiking either 13 or 26 miles.
All the money raised will go towards supporting Oakhaven's free-of-charge services to patients and their loved ones, both in the hospice and in their homes.
An Oakhaven spokesperson said: "We asked walkers taking part to raise additional sponsorship, as the registration fee only covered the cost of event administration.
"Each and every penny raised through sponsorship goes directly to helping individuals facing end of life. So far, we have raised over £32,000, with donations still coming in.
READ MORE: Oakhaven Hospice to receive £850k from family of former Saints chairman Leon Crouch
The event - The Hospice Walk - was sponsored by Pennyfarthing Homes, which has been building flats and houses in the Forest for more than 40 years.
The award-winning business works with communities across the district, supporting a variety of local causes including schools, community groups and charities.
Last year Oakhaven received a total of £850,000 from a charity set up in memory of former Saints chairman Leon Crouch.
Speaking at the time one of his three daughters, Hannah Leonardi, said: "Oakhaven always remained a cause very close to our father’s heart. Therefore it was a fitting place for him to spend his last few days."
READ MORE: Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington given planning permission to build extensions
Mr Crouch was a lifelong Saints fan and paid around £1.6m to buy a significant stake in the club in 2006.
He is credited with keeping Saints afloat, dipping into his own pocket to pay wages and other overheads after they went into administration in 2009.
Oakhaven was founded by Phoebe Coates following the death of her husband John and was officially opened in 1992 by the Duchess of Kent, who said: "It's not a hospital, it's a home."
The facility offers palliative care to New Forest residents who are facing complex physical, emotional, and practical difficulties.
But 90 per cent of its annual running costs have to be raised by the hospice and its supporters.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here