Ottery St Mary postman Steve Pearcy plans to deliver a first-class result for Hospiscare this month by raising hundreds of pounds for the charity that cares for terminally ill patients and their families.
Steve, 58, who lives in Chineway Gardens, will be walking 100 miles in the week leading up to March 20, the day of Hospiscare’s popular annual Men’s Walk. And he has a very important reason for putting himself through the gruelling challenge.
He explained: “Hospiscare cared for my wife at the end of her life and supported us as we adjusted to life without her. I just want to give a bit back to ensure the charity’s services are available for others who may need them in the future.”
Steve has lived and worked in Ottery for most of his life and he’s been a postman for the past 17 years. So he’s used to pounding the streets.
He said: “I plan to complete the 100 miles on Saturday, March 20 and then put my feet up in front of the rugby!
“I walk around 12 miles a day on my postal route and will walk an additional five miles each day locally to top it up. My family will join me on some of my top-up walks.”
Steve is a member of Ottervale Friends of Hospiscare, the local group whose members raise funds for the charity. Hospiscare’s teams of doctors and nurses offer specialist palliative care to ensure that patients can make the most of the time they have left.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Hospiscare are facing a loss of income of more than £1million. Each year they have to raise around £8million to keep their services going.
Steve said: “Our usual fundraising activities have obviously been curtailed this year and the charity are in dire need of additional funds. This is a way we can hopefully raise a bit to help out.”
As the Herald went to press, Steve’s fundraising total stood at £1,130.
He said: “I would like to thank all those who have already donated so generously. Ottery has a fantastic community who are very supportive to Hospiscare.”
To donate, you can do so at the Just Giving website using the link https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Steve-Pearcy2
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