Hospice raises £40,000 with annual bluebell walk

Richard Neville (left) walked in memory of his dad

A hospice in Kent has raised £40,000 from its annual bluebell walk.

Heart of Kent Hospice welcomed 550 walkers of all ages on its six-mile (9.6km) walk which started at Harrietsham Village Hall and went through the North Downs.

The Aylesford-based charity said the total could increase to about £45,000 once the final sponsorship money is collected.

Richard Neville, who took part in the walk, said: "We got out in the lovely Kent countryside to support a charity really close to our hearts and to remember Dad, who loved taking part in previous years and who the hospice provided an immense amount of care for."

He added: "It is such a privilege to be able to fundraise to give more families the care and support we had when Dad was a patient."

Maisie Bass, the charity's events manager, said: "Thank you to everyone who took part, fundraised and donated to ensure Heart of Kent Hospice can continue giving compassionate end-of-life care to those who need it most."

The charity is already encouraging people to join its 2026 bluebell walk.