Hikers support hospice (From This is The West Country)

Hikers support hospice

1:00pm Tuesday 9th October 2012 in Cornwall

The memory of his late mother proved a guiding light for Thomas Dobson when he carried out a night time hike to raise money for the hospice she died in.

Thomas is the son of Sarah Dobson, who inspired many people in the Helston area with her determined fundraising in the face of a debilitating cancer that ultimately claimed her life.

Mrs Dobson, who grew up in Porthleven and lived in Helston for many years before moving nearer Hayle, died in July aged 46. Her funeral, attended by hundreds of mourners, was held at Porthleven Methodist Chapel.

Thomas was determined to raise money for St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle, where his mum died, and joined forces with his former Scout group – 1st Camborne Explorer Scouts – as well as 2nd Redruth Scouts, who were also keen to support the cause.

This led to 18 Explorer Scouts, Thomas and several Scout leaders taking part in a night hike that began by watching the sunset from the island at St Ives.

The group then hiked overnight, following the St Michael’s Way path to Marazion. Despite rain over the course of the trek, the group arrived at Marazion still in good spirits and in time to see the sunrise, as well as enjoy bacon butties.

The group has since handed over £4,500, which, with gift aid, is likely to be boosted to £5,000.

Included within this amount is £750 from Barclays Bank, as one of its employees is Sarah Smale who was one of the fundraising Scout leaders.

Simon Viles, district Explorer Scout commissioner, said: “I would like to thank everyone who supported and sponsored Thomas and the Explorer Scouts, and also Barclays Bank for its generous match funding of £750.”

Cornwall Hospice Care community fundraiser Sarah Newton said: “We are very grateful to Thomas and the Explorer Scouts for the fantastic amount they have raised and to everyone who has supported them throughout their charity challenge. We value the ongoing generosity and support of the local community.”

There is now more fundraising being planned for the hospice. Continuing on from a successful charity night organised by Sarah herself last year, a second event will take place at Camborne Rugby Club, organised by Sarah’s friends and the Straw Dogs Party Band.

The event will take place on Saturday, December 1, from 7.30pm until 1am, and will include another appearance by the popular local entertainer Kernow King.