More than 80 people made every stride count after signing up to hike scenic routes around Sudbury, raising more than £10,000 for Home-Start Suffolk.

Walkers took part in the charity’s first Home-Start Hike from Kingfisher Leisure Centre on September 28.

The day saw families, friends and colleagues take on a 3, 6, 13 or 26-mile hike, with the 26-mile hike finishing at Bury St Edmunds Cathedral and the other three distances looping round to finish back at Kingfisher Leisure Centre.

Charlotte Pescott Frost who took part in the 26-mile hike with Matthew Douglas Ltd said: “It was a really great experience taking part in the 26-mile hike on Sunday. At Matthew Douglas Ltd we really enjoy team and charity events, so we knew we had to enter a corporate team.

“We loved meeting new people and walking together. It was really motivating and helped us push through the more challenging parts of the walk.

“The volunteers at every aid station were fantastic. Their friendliness was encouraging and really lifted us throughout the day. We are proud to have been part of a new event for a very worthwhile charity and hope we can be involved in future years.”

Every penny raised goes directly towards helping Home-Start Suffolk meet the increasing demand for family support across the county.

Tara Spence, CEO at Home-Start Suffolk, took on the hike with her family and said: “It was amazing to witness people coming together to support families across Suffolk through the first large-scale public event the charity has ever organised.

“The event has enabled people across the county to challenge themselves and enjoy the Suffolk countryside, all while raising awareness and money for families facing challenges.

“Thank you to everyone who took part or supported the event in some way.”

Abbeycroft and Explore Outdoor were event partners, supporting the charity with the organisation of the first ever Home-Start Hike.

Frank Carn-Pryor, Outdoor Education Manager at Abbeycroft, said: “Abbeycroft and their outdoor education provision, Explore Outdoor, are proud to have supported the Home-Start Hike.

“It was great to be part of a new and exciting event getting people active and outdoors and at the same time, helping to raise money for a great cause.”

The hike marked the end of a sporting month of fundraising for Home-Start Suffolk which also included Suffolk Sports Day and a Sporting Auction.

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