Carers brave summer showers to complete Carers Week fundraising walk

Heavy rain didn’t dampen the spirits or commitment of two carers who completed a fundraising walk for Carers in Hertfordshire to mark Carers Week 2024.

The five-hour walk, organised by Norman Phillips, who is a carer for his wife Ros, took place around the lake at Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage, on Saturday 15th June 2024. It was the 10th fundraising walk Norman has organised.

Taking part with Norman was Elaine Sapstead, who cares for her husband Stephen and did the walk last year, and Norman’s dog Bugle. They were joined for some laps by charity staff, carers, staff from Barclays bank in Stevenage, representatives from Hertfordshire health services and Tom Hennessey, Hertfordshire County Council’s Director of Health Integration.

Norman said: “I try and do what I can to help raise awareness about caring and the issues carers like me face and to support charities like Carers in Hertfordshire, which provide information and services to people looking after a relative, partner or friend who is ill, disabled or elderly. I was happy to arrange the walk, although it was a challenging day with the changing weather – rain, high winds and sunshine. However, carers are resilient and carry on caring during difficult times, so we braved the weather to complete the event.

I was grateful to everyone who attended to show their support, it was a real morale booster.”

Hazel Howell, our Fundraising Manager, said: “Thank you to Norman, Elaine and everyone who took part, donated or popped by to show support, and to Costello’s Café, for donating drinks to keep us warm. What an incredible 10th carer’s walk.”

So far around £800 has been raised, although you may still be able to make a donation at www.justgiving.com/page/normanphillips10thwalktosupportthesupporters

If you’re inspired to take part in a fundraising walk, we have places in two Challenge Central Pub Loop Walks that are about 20km (12 miles). One walk takes in the villages circling Hitchin on Saturday 3rd August 2024, 8am – 2pm, starting at The Plume of Feathers in Ickleford. The other walk is on Saturday 26th October, 8.30am – 1.30pm, from The Orange Tree in Baldock. The entry fee is £30. If you want to take part in the walk, email fundraising@carersinherts.org.uk or call 01992 58 69 69.