A record number of people enjoyed the spring sunshine on Sunday May 11 as they took part in Farleigh Hospice's Walk for Life.

The annual sponsored walk followed the towpath of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, through the beautiful Essex countryside between Heybridge and Chelmsford.

Over 760 walkers of all ages signed up, many with their dogs, and had two routes to choose from. The 12km ramble set off from Paper Mill Lock in Little Baddow, while the longer 24km hike started at Heybridge Basin. Both finished at the car park of Teledyne e2v in Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford.

Walk for Life was officially started by outgoing Maldon Town Mayor, Councillor Andrew Lay.

Heather Wright from Maldon and her friend, Kate Youles, were among the first people to walk 12km. The pair support Farleigh after the charity provided 'excellent care' for Kate's mum.

Heather said: "It's a lovely walk along the canal and we enjoyed the scenery. It's a nice way to exercise and meet other people. We would definitely recommend it. "

The first to complete the 24km route was Charlie Kirk from Hatfield Peverel. He said, "It was my first Walk for Life and I would do it again. I have raised about £300 because a relative of mine has been supported by Farleigh. I don't know what she'd have done without their help."

Many people were taking part in memory of a loved one who had been cared for by Farleigh Hospice. The charity provides compassionate care and support for adults in mid Essex living with life-limiting illnesses and their families, including those in Braintree, Burnham, Chelmsford, Halstead, Maldon and Witham. Farleigh also offers bereavement information and support to children and adults and makes no charge for any of its services.

'Harry's Hikers' came from as far away as Cardiff to walk 12km in memory of Harry Rogers. Donna Alder said, "Harry received fantastic care at Farleigh's Inpatient Unit – we couldn't fault it. The staff and volunteers there were really caring."

Sarah Millerick, Fundraising Lead at Farleigh Hospice, said, "Thank you to everyone who took part in Walk for Life, raising £60,000 so far, with money still coming in.

"Farleigh Hospice is a charity and we are so very grateful for the kind and generous support that we receive from our local community. This is a fantastic amount which will make a huge difference to the lives of those people that we care for and their families."

For more information on the care and support that Farleigh provides, visit the Farleigh Hospice website.

Farleigh Hospice's big summer event is the free, family-friendly Buzz in the City art trail through Chelmsford. 30 colourful giant bee sculptures and a swarm of mini bees will be buzzing into the city centre from 5 July to 9 September. To find out more, click here.