North Somerset bosses put best foot forward for hospice

Bosses from two of North Somerset’s biggest businesses presented a cheque for over £1,200 to Weston Hospicecare following their participation in this year’s Mendip Challenge.

Mark Hands from DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House and Paul Butchers from Cadbury Garden Centre, presented the money to Sue Sweet from Weston Hospicecare, having completed the 20-mile course earlier in June.

The dynamic duo not only completed the course in good time but added an extra one mile to their trek as part of the ‘Go The Extra Mile’ initiative that was put in place to celebrate the 20th year of the walk.

In total Mark and Paul raised £1242.82 which will now go the hospice which provides care for anyone who has a life-threatening illness from across the region. Caring for around 1,000 people and their families each year it provides a wide range of services including a Day Hospice, Hospice at Home and a 10-bed In-Patient Unit.

Sue said “The amount raised by Mark and Paul is fantastic and would for example pay for three patients to have a 16-week Day Hospice programme.

The total cost of the service is £67,908 per annum. All care and support is provided free of charge to our patients.

Mark said: “We’re delighted to have raised so much for such a worth while cause and would like to thank all those who pledged some money. The day itself was fantastic and with about 700 people taking part the atmosphere was excellent.

“I have to admit my feet were hurting a little towards the end but when you consider why we were doing it puts our aches and pains into perspective.”

Paul added: “The organization of the event was excellent and I’d like to thank all those who donated money. Although it’s took a few days to recover I’ll certainly be doing it again and look forward to next year – I may even consider doing the 30-mile course!”