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15 years of walking to thank hospice for its “amazing care”

Posted onPosted on 22nd May

Determined walking fundraisers Brian Hawkins, left, and Michael Dickinson have raised more than £325,000 for the John Eastwood Hospice.

The Edwinstowe friends, who are both in their 70s, started undertaking sponsored walks 15 years ago after the Sutton hospice cared for Brian’s wife, Glennys.

Their latest trek saw them cover around 80 miles from Leeds to the Humber Bridge — taking in the Leeds to Hull canal pathway en-route — as they raised £15,797.75.

The duo said they wanted to thank “each and every supporter… for the fantastic generosity of their many loyal family and friends who give on each and every walk they complete, to the completely random people they meet on their travels who so kindly sponsor them.”

Brian and Michael particularly thanked Dale Westwood and the drivers of Mansfield Sand Company, who donate on a monthly basis in support of the walks.

After her death, Brian and Michael started out raising money to “try to say thank you to the amazing staff at the hospice.”

Brian said they looked after his wife so well, with care and compassion, and also her family during such a difficult time.

Brian and Michael now intend to walk the Worcester Canal, the Aire and Calder Navigation in West Yorkshire and the Huddersfield Broad and Narrow canals later this year to continue their fundraising efforts.

They have previously tackled the Thames Path, Robin Hood Way and Hadrian’s Wall as well as coast-to-coast treks in Majorca and on the Isle Of Man.