A GROUP of homeowners from Waterman House took on a series of sponsored walks to raise money for Forest Holme Hospice.

The walkers, who completed their first walk on Friday, September 6, have raised £700 so far for the hospice through their Just Giving page with more cash donations made by other homeowners.

The ramblers, Ann Girling, Violet Antell, Ted and Shirley Kemp, Dori Tricksey, Sonia Neal, Dorothy Earlam, Moira Clark, were also joined by family and friends and Alfie the dog on their walks. The average age of the walkers was 85, and Ted Kemp, who did all 3 walks, is turning 92 in a few weeks.

House Manager Caroline Down said: “Our first walk was around Upton Country Park, on Saturday we walked from Waterman House, along the Castleman Trail to the Willett Arms for a cup of coffee and then back to Waterman House.

“Sunday, we walked the Forest Trail at Moors Valley Country Park. We were very lucky with the weather and all those taking part really enjoyed themselves. Tea and biscuits was ready for us when we returned home by the lovely Olive Mitchell.

Waterman House has 41 homeowners, and those that took part have been training hard for the last six months, with the assistance of The Junction in Broadstone. Those who are unable to walk have been of great support, with encouragement and providing refreshments.

Caroline continued: “As the House Manager it is my job not only to ensure the Health and Safety of the home, they live in but to organise social events for homeowners.

“They tasked me with coming up with an idea to raise money and with the assistance of The Junction who came to speak to home owners regarding the best ways to warm up and warm down, how they should walk and shoes etc, we decided that walking 15 miles over 3 days was the best way forward, better to do it and enjoy it then cram it all into one day.

“The encouragement from onlookers as we were on our walks was fantastic, and with Alfie the dog, leading the way everyone had a fantastic time.”

To donate, visit the group’s Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/watermanhouse.