Big Walk 2010

A round trip of just 2 miles faced walkers on the 2010 Exbourne Big Walk, which took place on June 19th. More than 70 walkers joined in to raise money for the Childrens' Hospice South West. A bright sunny day greeted the walkers at 7.30am for a start at Exbourne Village Hall. The route crossed the fields to Jacobstowe Bridge, then followed the River Okement to Woodhall where it turned back to Exbourne via Farthingland Cross. Back at the Village Hall, hungry walkers were treated to a big breakfast courtesy of butcher A.L. Martin and Sons, Dunn's Dairy and Waitrose. Organiser Mike Luxton, who is also Chairman of the Parish Council, said he was delighted with the response and estimated that £400 had been raised. The Hospice's Belstone Area Group of Friends joined in, in the form of Chairperson Angela Hammond and Committee member Edwina Hill. Angela told us that their group had so far raised in excess of £25,000, with Exbourne and Sampford Courtenay being two of their best supporters. The Hospice funds are well on the way to the £3,000,000 needed to build a third hospice but Angela pointed out that fund-raising won't stop once it's built as an equivalent amount is needed each year to run each of the three hospices. She and colleagues are undaunted by the challenge: "The key is to be creative and keep coming up with innovative ways to raise money," said Robin, Edwina's partner. Angela revealed exclusively to Hatherleigh.net that their next project will be a big auction at Jethro's restaurant in October. "Many great items will be up for grabs," she said: "Table tickets are on sale now and one of the items you can bid for will be a microlight flight alongside a Golden Eagle ... in Devon!"