The men of East Devon are being encouraged to step out for charity next month.

Hospiscare’s famous Men’s Walk event is back with a twist this March to celebrate its tenth anniversary – and this year the charity says it needs the support of the community more than ever.

The popular event, which normally sees more than a thousand men walking eight miles through Exeter in support of the local hospice charity, has revamped its format this year to adapt to the times.

From the outset of the pandemic, Hospiscare adapted its fundraising efforts to ensure that its vital care for people living with life-limiting illnesses could continue at no cost to its patients. To ensure that Men’s Walk can take place this year safely and in line with government guidance, Hospiscare has introduced Men’s Walk–Your Way.

Taking place on Saturday, March 20, participants will walk a route of their choice in their area. Every walker will receive a Men’s Walk t-shirt, a 10th anniversary beer courtesy of Exeter Brewery and a pasty from Chunk of Devon. Wherever they are, participants will be walking together in spirit to support people and families living with a terminal illness across Exeter, Mid and East Devon.

Hospiscare chief executive Andrew Randall said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a drastic impact on our income in the last year. As a small local charity, 82 per cent of our funding comes from local people who are determined to help others when they need it most. We simply couldn’t provide our specialist end-of-life care without the support of people who take part in events such as Men’s Walk.”

One group of loyal participants are especially determined to take part. Friends John Selley, Graham Lofts and Philip Jacobs have taken part in the sponsored walk together every year since it began.

To sign up to Men’s Walk–Your Way and raise sponsorship to support your local hospice charity, visit https://www.hospiscare.co.uk/menswalk.