A GROUP from Alderholt and Fordingbridge are walking 100km over two days in memory of a family member and friend who died aged just 33.

Darren Beale was first diagnosed with leukaemia in September 2017, and lost his battle in April last year.

Now a group of ten people are taking on the Jurassic Coast challenge, walking from Poole to Bridport in May, to raise money for Salisbury Hospice, whose end-of-life care enabled Darren to be at home in his last few months.

Darren’s cousin, Matt Carter, 35, said: “We are a close family and we wanted to do something positive. I had seen something about the Jurassic Coast walk. His dad, brother and auntie have joined us so there’s a group of ten of us. Darren was very knowledgeable and wise, often the voice of reason.”

‘Team RUN DMB’ are aiming to raise £10,000 for the hospice, per Darren’s wishes.

Matt said: “The hospice needs £2.5 million a year and £1.5m of that is self-funded. Darren told us to raise money for them and that is what we are going to do.”

Darren’s parents said: “Darren was a huge part of our family and words cannot begin to describe how devastating losing him has been.”

The lead singer of the band Sunset Sons hosted an acoustic gig, raising more than £1,400 for the hospice.

The team have also been supported by Alderholt’s ReCreate festival.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/run-dmb