Ryan's Ramblers setting out to raise �6,000 for children's charity

A TEAM of hardy walkers from Bradley Stoke will be tackling a 142-mile route to raise thousands of pounds for a local children's charity.

Organised by Steve Tovey, of Huckley Way, Ryan's Ramblers are hoping to raise more than £6,000 for Children's Hospice South West, which supports children and their families living with life- limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Mr Tovey's seven-year-old son Ryan, who went to Baileys Court Primary School, died at the hospice in August 2009.

He had bravely battled leukaemia for almost two years, undergoing intensive chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

Mr Tovey, 49, said: "The hospice is an amazing place, making as much of Ryan's life as possible right up to the end. They supported us as a family and still continue to do so.

"Without the support of the hospice I can only imagine how different our lives would be. I want to raise money for Children's Hospice South West so that more families can benefit from their care and support in the future.

"Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor us and donations will be quickly processed and passed to charities. We really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations."

Mr Tovey's previous fundraising efforts have included joining cricket legend Ian Botham on his charity walk through Ashton Court and a charity abseil in 2010.

The walk starts on Friday, April 20 at the hospice in Wraxall and is due to end on April 24, after five tiring days, at Little Harbour Children's Hospice in St Austell, Cornwall.

There will be 15 walkers doing the entire challenge including Mr Tovey and his wife Rachel, Mark Haagensen, Julie Clayton, Teresa Holgate, Mark Milsom, Dave Norris, Sue Norris, Shay Norris, Nigel Brown and Nick Putterill.

They will be joined by other fund- raisers at different stages of the journey and will be camping each night along the way.

Mark and Mel Haagensen, long-time friends of the Tovey family, of The Bluebells, said: "If you are able to donate anything to this cause you will be giving more than just money – you will be giving love, laughter and support to other families who have to face the devastation of losing a child."

So far, more than £1,600 has been raised for the hospice.

To donate, visit www.virginmoney giving.com/team/ryansramblers.

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