High hopes after 3rd annual 'Hike 4 Hospices'

This year's event saw a record number of hikers taking to the South Downs over the weekend of August 22nd and 23rd. Entrants were up by 60% and over 400 walkers strode out in aid of St Barnabas House in Worthing, St Peter & St James in North Chailey, The Martlets in Hove and St Wilfrid's in Chichester.

The fledgling 'Fun Leg' between Devil's Dyke and St. Botolph's added a light hearted element to the hike with clowns and musicians entertaining the brightly clad fundraisers along the 5 mile stretch of the way.

Another new addition in 2009 was the finish in the stunning grounds of the Lennox Enclosure at Goodwood Racecourse. Glorious weather graced the weekend with temperatures high in the 20s at Goodwood until late on Sunday afternoon. Walkers reclined in the shade of the trees in the picnic area as they enjoyed the music of the Sussex Academy of Music and the Chichester Jazz Band.

Many of the walkers took part in memory of loved ones: helping to raise funds as a gesture of gratitude for the excellent care and support given to them by the hospices.

Jim Oliver, H4H Project Director, expressed his gratitude for the support of all of the Rotarians involved, without which the hike would not be possible.

Praising the work of the hospices, Jim said, 'By organising an event that is fun to do whilst raising significant amounts of money, we are contributing to the hospices' success. We are also giving ourselves the best chance of walkers coming back in ever greater numbers by mirroring the professionalism of the hospices.'

'I feel immensely satisfied by what we have achieved over the weekend and so I would like to add my thanks to all involved for the significant part they played in this success.'