Charity walk for former Ashdown Forest executive

James Adler died suddenly in May last year at the age of 42

Friends, family and colleagues of the former chief executive of Ashdown Forest are to take part in a charity walk in his memory.

James Adler, who began his role in January 2021, died as a result of vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in May last year at the age of 42.

The 68.9 mile (111km) walk will begin at Climping Beach in West Sussex on Thursday and end with a memorial gathering in the High Weald at Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, on Sunday.

Mark Pearson, the forest’s new chief executive, said Mr Adler was dedicated to maintaining the site's biodiversity for future generations.

"His death came as a shock to so many and we all miss him terribly. This four-day walk is our way of thanking James for everything he did,” he said.

Ashdown Forest was made famous by Winnie the Pooh and his fictional home 100 Acre Wood

Ashdown Forest was made famous by Winnie the Pooh and his fictional home - the 100 Acre Wood.

Participants will be wearing bobble hats due to Mr Adler’s love of wearing his blue and yellow woollen bobble hat.

The walk will aim to raise funds for The Ashdown Forest Foundation.

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