Weekend walk 'Hero Hikers' raise hefty sum for charity

A group of dedicated trekkers have managed to amass more than £30,000 for a hospital charity.

The 'Hero Hikers' participated in an annual event, the Hospital Hero Hike, which took place across the Suffolk and Essex countryside.

Nearly 200 hikers completed a 21-mile journey between Ipswich and Colchester hospitals, relishing the spring sunshine and inviting conditions, all to aid Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.

Hero Hikers raise £30,000 for hospital charity (Image: Submitted)

The funds raised will support staff wellbeing and an array of services across East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).

ESNEFT is responsible for overseeing the hospitals and a range of community amenities.

Among the hikers were couple Fliss Bates, a voluntary services coordinator at ESNEFT, and her husband Andy.

The funds raised will support staff wellbeing and an array of services (Image: Submitted)

Mr Bates and his brother Rob, both fans of Ipswich Town, surrendered their tickets to watch their beloved Blues play Huddersfield Town to join the cause.

The pair were delighted to hear Town had won promotion to the Premier League in the game.

Mr Bates said: “We knew it would be a big day for the club, but had a radio so we could listen to the match as we walked.

"The boys were chanting ‘Blue Army’ as the full-time whistle went.

Hikers completed the scenic route in around nine hours (Image: Submitted)

“My dad was also a big fan of Ipswich Town, and we really wanted to do something to say thank you for everything ESNEFT did for him.

Daniel Bailey, the senior fundraising manager for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, said: “We always feel very humbled when our community support us with such enthusiasm.

“We would like to say a huge thank you all the supporters and volunteers that helped make the event such a success.

Annual charity hike generates more than £30,000 for hospital (Image: Submitted)

"We can’t wait to do it all again next year.”

The hike, completed in roughly nine hours, offered participants beautiful scenery, healthy exercise, and camaraderie as they walked alongside NHS staff, raising funds and boosting morale.

An integral part of the event was the provision of drinks and refreshments by volunteers stationed at the start and finish lines.