Veteran walkers set off again to raise money for hospice

Brian Hawkins, 74, and his 71-year-old pal, Michael Dickinson, have already generated a staggering total of £310,000 for the John Eastwood Hospice at Sutton.

The duo have already completed 15 major walks, including the Thames Path, Robin Hood Way, Hadrian’s Wall and coast-to-coast treks in Majorca and on the Isle Of Man.

Now they are set to embark on their latest venture, a trek of about 80 miles from Leeds to Spurn Point on the East Riding coast, taking in the Leeds-to-Hull canal pathway en route.

Brian started his fundraising to say thankyou to the hospice for looking after his wife, Gladys, before she died 15 years ago at the age of 60.

“The hospice was fabulous, so this is all pay-back time for me,” said Brian, who works as a property developer. “I can’t do enough for them.

“Michael has been a fantastic mate who has supported me over the years. We are getting plenty of training in and will be setting off in the next couple of weeks.

“But it’s not just about us walking. It’s also about the people who donate money to the cause. We have had a terrific response, and we can’t thank everyone enough.”

The hospice relies entirely on fundraising donations. If you would like to support Brian’s latest walk, go to his JustGiving page online, or send a cheque, made payable to John Eastwood Hospice, to 22 Normanton Close, Edwinstowe.