A Somerset woman is planning a fundraising walk from Weston Super Mare to Seaton in memory of a local couple who both died of cancer last year.

Kimmarie Skinner-Parkes passed away aged 55 in June, three months after her husband Paul Parkes had died of the disease. Both were helped by the Seaton Hospice at Home service.

The pair were well known in Seaton, having run Beano’s hot dog shop on the seafront. Kimmarie had also worked at the local Tesco. They both did a lot of charity work, especially for Devon Air Ambulance.

Midweek Herald: Elaine SimmonsTheir friend Elaine Simmons is currently based in North Petherton in Somerset, but went to school with Kimmarie in Axminster. Elaine will be walking the 60 miles from Weston Super Mare, which is Kimmarie’s birthplace, to Seaton, raising money for Seaton & District Hospital League of Friends, which funds the Hospice at Home service. She plans to set off on June 10 and arrive in Seaton on June 14, the anniversary of the day she learned of Kimmarie’s death.

She has already raised more than £300 through a link to the fundraiser via the Seaton Hospital League of Friends’ Facebook page. The Royal Clarence and the Picture House in Seaton have charity buckets for collecting donations, and Elaine will be inviting further contributions during her 60-mile walk.

A spokesperson for the Seaton & District Hospital League of Friends said: “The League would like to thank Elaine for undertaking this fundraising walk in memory of her dear friend Kimmarie. Our Seaton Hospice at Home nurses had the privilege of caring for Kimmarie in her own home, for her last few weeks. The monies raised will enable the League to continue funding this much needed service for future patients.”

Donations to Elaine’s fundraising can be made via the League's Facebook page - www.facebook.com/SeatonLOF/  or its website www.seatonlof.co.uk