Retired lecturer Charles Hanson completes 86 mile hospice walk

A retired university lecturer has raised about £10,000 for a hospice by walking 86 miles.

Charles Hanson, from Wetheral, near Carlisle, decided to start his fundraiser for the Eden Valley Hospice after realising he had 86 days to go until his 86th birthday.

He said he decided to use those days to cover the distance in a bid to raise the funds.

Well-wishers lined the village green in Wetheral as he completed the challenge.

Dr Hanson, who taught economics at Newcastle University, said he saw the "wonderful work" done by hospices for his late wife Anne.

"I've had so much wonderful support from the people of Wetheral and others, and often when I'm out people have pressed money into my hands," he said.

"The hospice has lost so much of its normal charitable funding because of the lockdown. We all need to raise as much as we possibly can."

Hospice chief executive Patricia Livsey said Dr Hanson's achievement was "amazing", adding: "We are so grateful that Charles has chosen to support the hospice for this incredible feat.

"This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our charitable funding had been devastated.

"The money he has raised really will make a huge difference to the care, support and compassion provided to local people with life-limiting illnesses."

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