It was a record-breaking year for an annual fundraising walk in aid of a local hospice.

 

More fundraisers than ever before turned out for Weldmar Hospicecare’s March in March on Saturday.

 

The event saw 103 walkers take on a six-mile walk around Weymouth and Portland, starting and finishing at Osprey Leisure Centre in Castletown. Weldmar community fundraiser Diane Bentley said the number of people to take part made it the “best year yet.”

 

“This is a lovely, family event with a great atmosphere,” she said. “It’s great for people to get the kids out for a few hours and off the Playstation and at the same time raise money for Weldmar. It’s a winwin.”

 

Friends Patricia Dhillon and Saira Sawtell, both from Weymouth, decided to take part in March for March after being inspired by Patricia’s son, who recently completed the Weymouth Half Marathon for the charity.

 

Patricia said: “We are here to support Weldmar because it is a good, local cause. “My son ran the half marathon so it made this look easy.

 

Saira said: “We decided to do it last minute as it seemed like a good thing to do. “Compared to a half marathon, it was the least we could do.”

 

Lorraine Nantes, 46, took part with daughters Phoebe, 11, and Chloe, 12. Phoebe said: “We are doing this walk in memory of my grandad. “He died in January.”

 

Lorraine said: “We decided to take part spur of the moment and do it in memory of my dad. Weldmar helps a lot of people; a lot of local people and does a lot of good with the care that it provides.

 

“It’s a good turnout – I just hope the weather stays dry.”

 

Weldmar Hospicecare’s chief executive, Caroline Hamblett, said: “This year we’ve had 103 people take part and that is fantastic; really good. “It’s the most we’ve had in the past five years.

 

“Some of the events we run are only really suitable for adults so it’s nice to have something children can do as well.

 

“It’s great to see people here with children, pushchairs and even dogs.

 

“It’s open to everyone.

 

“For most people here, they are doing it in memory of a loved one.”