Blisters worth ‘Frank’ walk from Sidmouth for FORCE

FAMILY and friends walk from Sidmouth to Warwickshire in bid to raise more than �1,500 in memory of Frank

FAMILY and friends, who walked from Sidmouth to Warwickshire last month, hope to raise more than �1,500 in memory of Frank Hodgkins, who died of lung cancer at his Primley Mead home last October.

His daughter, Diane Hartnell, and other family members, are raising funds for FORCE Cancer Charity, Exeter.

Their walk, which left Sidmouth on April 9 and ended at Wilmcote, Warwicks, on April 23; where Frank was born, turned out to be longer than first estimated at some 170-175 miles along the Fosse Way, passing through places such as Lydford on Fosse, Malmesbury, Cirencester and Chipping Campden.

Diane said: “We arrived on his granddaughter, Penny’s, birthday. We stayed at five campsites and several donated money and reduced the costs, for which we are very grateful.”

She said the “horrific” blisters and painful joints were worthwhile, adding a special thanks to husband John, who cooked, cleaned and drove the support vehicle for the walkers.

Family member Roy Dunsby, 72, who has also had cancer, walked the last 45 miles in searing heat.

“People were extremely generous and kind, many people donated or gave us food and drinks,” said Diane. “It was overwhelming having so many people who cared enough to help.

“The whole walk was very enjoyable and most memorable was the support at the start (in Sidmouth) and the welcome party at the end.”

Twice people turned around in their cars to give money.

*If you would like to donate to the walkers, go to www.justgiving.com/diane-hartnell.