Best foot forward for St Luke's Hospice

Hugo Hodge has challenged himself to complete a gruelling 81-mile walk in just five days to raise funds and awareness for the Kenton-based charity.

The 66-year-old will be taking part in The Poppy Walk event between April 29 and May 3.

He is preparing for the trek, which will take him through countryside, historic towns and villages from Epping to Harwich as part of St Luke’s Annual Long Distance Walk.

Mr Hodge, a retired solicitor and past St Luke’s Trustee, has taken part in 18 of 20 St Luke’s Annual Walk events.

He said: "I have supported St Luke's since its inception. I have seen how it helps local people and their families at a very difficult time. It has grown to become a local charity to be proud of, and needs our support more than ever.

"The walks have taken me to beautiful places all over the British Isles, places that are wonderful to walk in. I cannot think of a more enjoyable way to raise funds for the hospice.

"I have enjoyed all of the walks. They make a perfect combination of healthy exercise, fresh air, beautiful scenery and great company.

"I am very excited about taking part in this year’s Poppy Walk. Essex is the southeast's little secret, a beautiful county on London's doorstep.

"I think other people should take part because they will find it a challenge well worth achieving. Each day there are three different mileages to be walked to suit all abilities.

"To help everyone meet the challenge, there are training walks every week to improve fitness and to meet the other walkers, and, above all, they will be helping a great charity."

Mr Hodge has taken part in a number of other fundraising events including the London Marathon and he also helps to organise St Luke’s Annual Walk and Summer Proms events.

St Luke’s Poppy Walk is a five-day sponsored walk which takes place from April 29 to May 3, 2016.

An information evening about the walk will be held on Thursday, February 18.

People who would like to attend or would like further details can visit www.stlukes-hospice.org/annualwalk or phone Emma on 020 8382 8018.