A WIDOW has signed up to fundraise for a charity which cared for her late husband.
Walk for Life, a sponsored walk raising money for Farleigh Hospice, will return on Sunday, May 12.
The route follows the canal towpath of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation between Heybridge and Chelmsford.
Susan Watson has signed up for the 12km walk with her granddaughter.
Farleigh’s hospice at home team helped care for Susan’s husband Mike before he died in February 2023, aged 78.
The couple were married for 52 years.
Susan said: “The lovely nurses were brilliant and made Mike laugh when they were looking after him.
"Farleigh also organised a hospital-type bed and a wheelchair for him which were delivered to our home.
“They absolutely made life easier for me too, requesting the necessary pain relief medication from our doctor’s surgery so I didn’t need to do it myself, which took that pressure off me.
“I’m getting sponsored by my family to thank them for their kindness.
“Farleigh Hospice provides a wonderful service that people couldn’t manage without. It’s a charity that needs our support.”
Keen walkers of all ages can take part the event and many bring their dogs along.
Participants have a choice of the 12km ramble beginning at Paper Mill Lock, Little Baddow or a 24km route starting at Heybridge Basin.
Both finish at the Teledyne e2v offices in Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford.
Everyone taking part will receive a t-shirt at the start and a medal at the finish.
Farleigh fundraising manager Debbie de Boltz said: ”Farleigh Hospice provides specialist care, free of charge, to local people and their families and carers across mid Essex who are affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement.
“This charity relies on income from events like Walk for Life and so we are encouraging everyone taking part to get themselves sponsored.
“We are very grateful to over 500 people who took part last year, raising over £43,000.”
It costs adults £20 to take part or £25 on the day, while it will cost £5 for under 16s or £10 for youngsters signing up on the day.
For more information or to sign up now, visit farleighhospice.org/walk.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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