Over £20,000 has been raised through a sponsored walk around the Englefield Estate in aid of the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Tilehurst.

This year's event attracted almost 400 walkers who almost tripled last year’s total of £7.500, raising an impressive £20,446 for the charity’s services in West Berkshire.

Many participants had heartfelt reasons for taking part and walked in memory of loved ones, gathering with friends, family and hospice staff to celebrate the lives of those who are gone, but not forgotten.

Walker Sally Hinsley, from Tilehurst, said: “I wanted to take part because I sadly lost my mum last July and she had her last few days at the Duchess of Kent hospice. I don’t think we could’ve coped without them, they were absolutely fantastic.

“I wanted to do the walk to help and give something back as a thank you.I really enjoyed it, it was a lovely day.”

Walkers could choose between a 5k and a 10k route taking in the Estate’s woodland and gardens, and enjoyed a cream tea at Englefield Social Club afterwards.

Fern Haynes, Sue Ryder community fundraising manager, said: “It was a glorious day and we are so grateful to all who took part – the amount raised was truly incredible, and without this support we wouldn’t be able to carry on providing and developing our services that so many depend on.”

Peter Carson, Englefield Estate house and events manager, added: “It was a pleasure to once again host this important fundraising event.”