A sponsored walk has raised more than £100,000 to help support those having end of life care. 

Oakhaven Hospice's 'The Oakhaven Walk 2024' generated nearly £110,000, setting a new high record with 483 people participating.

The event took place on May 18, involving hefty walks to the hospice in Lymington from three different locations—Sandbanks, Mudeford, and Barton on Sea.

Despite the prediction of rainy weather, the day came sunny, catching many participants off-guard.

Oakhaven Hospice provides palliative and end-of-life care across the New Forest, Totton, and Waterside, Oakhaven Hospice and is currently supporting around 350 patients along with their families-free of charge in the hospice or at patients' homes.

The funds raised from the Walk will aid in managing Oakhaven's running costs, which reached £8 million last year.

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Melanie Stone, head of fundraising, said: "Many thanks to everyone who walked and supported our 2024 Oakhaven Walk. You joined together to make every moment matter for your local hospice and have raised a fantastic amount in sponsorship.

"A huge thank you to our amazing Volunteers, without whom the event could not have gone ahead. You kept our walkers going with your smiles and encouragement, pointing them in the right direction, registering them at checkpoints and handing out refreshments at just the right moment.

"We are grateful also to Land & Wave, the Beachcomber Café and Hoburne Naish Holiday Park for welcoming us, to Rapid Relief for providing water and to the Oakhaven Kitchen for the delicious sandwiches.

"And MANY thanks to our event sponsors; Pennyfarthing Homes, Hartwood House, Circle Insurance, New Forest Activities and Richard Griffiths & Co, whose fantastic support has helped to underwrite much of the event cost, meaning that every penny raised in sponsorship by our walkers will directly support families living in our communities."

The 'Oakhaven Wellbeing' also provides specialist support for those encountering life-limiting sickness, caring for a loved one, or undergoing a loss.

Last year, around 3,200 people benefited from its wellness support at the Coates Centre.

However, just 11 per cent of Oakhaven's funding is covered by the NHS. Hence, it relies greatly on donations, fundraisers, gifts in wills, and income from its charity shops and home care agency, Oakhaven Care Ltd.