A HOSPICE has raised over £70,000 after more than 500 people took part in a charity walk.

After holding the event virtually last year, St Barnabas House’s Night to Remember walk returned earlier this month, with participants walking seven, 13.1 or 20 miles.

Walkers set off from Worthing Leisure Centre along with the Mayor of Worthing Lionel Harman and Town Crier Bob Smytherman, with music from the Worthing Steel Band.

Many of those who took part in the late-night walk did so in memory of a friend or family member cared for by the hospice.

Kris Hepworth, 49, from Upper Beeding, walked the 13 mile route in memory of his wife Nina, who passed away from cancer in 2018.

He said: “This was my third time taking part in Night to Remember. I take part to give a little something back to St Barnabas and to encourage people to reflect on life.

“Nina taught me to live life to the full - we fitted in two lifetimes worth of stuff in the time we had, and I hope that by sharing her story I can encourage others to do that too.

“St Barnabas House gave us dignity, but most of all, they gave us opportunity. They gave us the opportunity to spend all our time together, especially in the last few days of Nina’s life and it allowed me to be a husband and be with my wife.

“I can’t put into words how thankful I am for everything St Barnabas did for us.”

Events fundraiser Fiona Anderson said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who took part and £70,000 is an amazing amount to have raised.

“The last year has been challenging for everyone and we’re humbled that our local community have been so supportive by continuing to fundraise and donate.

“It was great to be able to bring back Night to Remember in person, with the solidarity it brings to those taking part.

“We know that many people take part in memory of family or friends who have been cared for by the hospice and that shared experience is what brings people together and creates the amazing atmosphere.”

The Worthing hospice aims to provide expert palliative care for patients with cancer and other life-limiting conditions.

Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01273 021 400.