Exeter Hospiscare Men's Walk PICTURES

Almost 500 men walked in bright sunshine along Exeter’s canal raising thousands of pounds for local charity Hospiscare.

The walk started and finished at the Double Locks where the walkers were treated to a pint and a pasty before settling down to watch the Six Nations rugby. Sponsorship on the day alone raised £10,000 and Hospiscare hopes to reach its target of £30,000.

Charlotte Knipe, Hospiscare fundraiser, said: “It was a great day, the sun was shining, there was a fun atmosphere and it was so nice to see the men relax after the walk and enjoy their pints and pasties. It was really lovely to see a variety of different ages of men supporting us. We are very grateful to everyone who took part and to our sponsors.”

The main event sponsor was Wilkinson Grant, with the Double Locks providing the venue free of charge and St Austell Brewery providing the beer.

One of the largest teams was Kevin’s Band of Brothers from Exeter – with 11 men walking in memory of Kevin Regan’s wife Ruth who was cared for by Hospiscare nurses and doctors. Kevin organised his family and friends to take part in the walk and called the team, Kevin’s Band of Brothers – they’re fans of the TV series. The team wore camouflage and gave out flowers along the route – Ruth adored flowers.

Kevin said: “Ruth and I were totally surprised at how much help we got from Hospiscare they were truly remarkable in every way. We thought they were only there for the end of life, but without their help we would have really struggled throughout her secondary illness. I've had friends from London and Dublin join us - it’s been a brilliant day.”

Richard Wills was walking in memory of his mum Elaine Wills who was looked after at Hospiscare’s Searle House Hospice. “It’s a fantastic service and it needs to be kept going,” he said.

Duncan Worthington added: “It’s nice to have a reward at the end of the walk, with a pint, pasty and the rugby, it makes it more of an event and as it’s men only you can enjoy a bit of banter and joshing.”