MORE than 560 walkers set off from Waverley Abbey School in Tilford, for a walk which truly celebrated Surrey’s countryside, in Phyllis Tuckwell’s 2017 Walk for the Wards.

This annual event raises money to support the care which Phyllis Tuckwell provides for patients and families who are living with a terminal illness, such as cancer, in West Surrey and North East Hampshire.

The walk started at 9.30am and offered two routes, of five and 10 miles, so walkers could choose their preferred distance.

Both took participants, many of whom bought their four-legged friends along, down past Frensham Common and back up around Tilford, before returning them to Waverley Abbey School to celebrate their accomplishment with a cream tea.

“We were delighted by the large number of people who came along to support this event and help raise money to support our care,” said Phyllis Tuckwell events fundraiser, Fiona Chapman.

“So everyone who has taken part in the walk or has sponsored one of our walkers, has helped us to provide all of our services for a day.

“This includes our in-patient unit, day services, therapies, counselling, social work advice and chaplaincy support. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped us raise this huge amount of money.

“Our thanks also go to Baker Law who kindly sponsored the whole event, all those who donated scones and jam for the cream teas and all of the volunteers who helped to set out the route, put up signs for walkers, direct car parking, register walkers, marshal the route and provide refreshments. Without you, we couldn’t have held this fantastic fundraising event.”

To find out more about the care which Phyllis Tuckwell provides, or take part in one of its fundraising events, visit the website www.pth.org.uk.