HUNDREDS of people joined together to walk across a country house estate to raise money for a local hospice in its 25th year.

Over 500 ramblers trekked around the Portsmouth Estates, in Farleigh Wallop, to help generate more than £7,000 for St Michael’s Hospice.

Originally called Woofs and Wellies, the walk, which saw participants do either a five-mile or a 10-mile stroll, was rebranded to be called the Farleigh Wallop Woodland Walk.

This year was a record-breaking one in aid of the hospice, which cares for patients in North Hampshire affected by life-limiting illnesses.

One local taking up the challenge was 56-year-old Rob Willshire, who on Christmas Eve suffered a double heart attack.

“It was a good walk,” the South View resident said.

“This walk was good for my rehab, to keep my fitness level up and lose some weight.

“The whole aim is to get fit and doing this walk really helped me. It was great to help St Michael’s as well because every person has been helped by them or knows someone who has been.”

Laura Hughes, marketing and events co-ordinator at St Michael’s Hospice (North Hampshire), added:

“We were delighted to make this a record-breaking year with over 500 participants joining us on the day.

“It was lovely to see everybody enjoying the walk in the sunshine and joining us for cream tea on their return to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the hospice.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who took part, our volunteers, Basingstoke Ramblers, Basingstoke 4 Business for sponsoring the event, the Portsmouth Estate and Viscount Lymington for his generosity in allowing the use of the estate.”