Fundraiser walking 16km around field raising money for Farleigh Hospice

On Saturday 16th of May fundraiser Valerie Loveland will walk 16km, or 10 miles, around a field close to her home near Maldon to help raise money and awareness for Farleigh Hospice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Valerie will take on the challenge by walking 5 miles in the morning and a further 5 miles in the afternoon. Her son will be on hand taking photos, keeping track of her progress and recording the miles.

Valerie’s incredible fundraising efforts are a continuation of her family’s support for Farleigh Hospice over many years, having previously held a ‘family fun day’ some years ago which at the time raised the amount needed for the hospice to provide its services for one day. The death of her husband Allan from bowel cancer in 2018 further affirmed the family’s commitment to supporting Farleigh.

Allan was referred to Farleigh Hospice by his local doctors back in 2017. The Loveland family were already well aware of the brilliant work of the hospice and how it cares for people living with a life-limiting illness across mid Essex, and therefore felt reassured they would receive the care they so desperately needed. Allan was supported through Farleigh’s day services, I.P.U. and through the charity’s hospice at home, which provided vital care towards the end of his life. The hospice also supported the whole family, providing information, advice, and the emotional support they needed during this difficult time.

Ahead of her 16km field walk, Valerie said “Farleigh Hospice has always been in our hearts. Their marvellous facilities ensured that Allan received fantastic care and that we were all looked after by respectful, helpful, caring staff who had a gentle approach. I cannot speak highly enough of Farleigh; we are forever grateful to them and are proud of the work they do in the mid Essex community. Captain Tom Moore’s walk has inspired me greatly, and by doing my own walk I’m hoping to keep supporting Farleigh how they have supported us.”

Alison Stevens, Chief Executive of Farleigh Hospice said: “Valerie and her family’s support has been wonderful for us and this is another brilliant example of how our local community is enabling us to continue providing care to people in mid Essex living with a life-limiting illness, as well as support the NHS as best we can throughout the COVID-19 pandemic."

To donate towards Valerie’s challenge and for more information, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/valerie-loveland5