Six colleagues from kitchen supplier Howdens, on The Causeway, Maldon, will hike 24 kilometres (14.9 miles) from Heybridge Basin to Chelmsford in aid of Farleigh Hospice, next month.

'Walk for Life', an annual event organised by Farleigh Hospice, will return on Sunday 14 May. The "rural ramble" takes in the picturesque countryside along the towpath of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation between Heybridge and Chelmsford.

Dan Burgess, depot manager at Howdens, has signed up for the 24km walk, along with five of his colleagues: Ailsa Stevens, Mark Ribet, Keiran Ribet, Lauren Chamberlain, and Steve Kenneally. Between them, the 'Howdens Hikers' hope to raise £1,000 for charity.

Dan said: "I've been trying to be healthier this year and needed a goal to aim for, so I decided to do the 24km Walk for Life.

"A few years ago, I had my legs waxed to raise money for Farleigh – I hope this will be less painful!

"My colleagues really wanted to do the walk with me as we all know someone who's been cared for by Farleigh, so we're very happy to support this important local charity."

Farleigh staff and volunteers pictured at Paper Mill Lock during last year's Walk for Life. (Photo: Farleigh Hospice)

Farleigh Hospice provides award-winning care to those affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement across mid Essex. It relies on income from events such as Walk for Life. Last year, more than 450 people took part, raising over £50,000. 

The family-friendly event is popular with walkers of all ages - well-behaved dogs are welcome too.

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Participants can choose between two distances: a 12km route starting at Paper Mill Lock, or a more challenging 24km hike that begins at Heybridge Basin. Both routes finish at the 'Teledyne e2v' offices in Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford.

Debbie de Boltz, Fundraising Manager at Farleigh Hospice says Farleigh Hospice is facing growing demand.

She explained: "Over the past year, there has been a 10 per cent increase in the number of calls per month to Farleigh's advice line.

"It's really important that we are there for everybody who needs us."

For more information about Walk for Life, visit the Farleigh Hospice website.

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