A NEW walk across the Wiltshire countryside is set to raise £10,000 for Julia’s House children’s hospice in Devizes.

The 26 mile trek on Saturday started and finished at the King’s Arms pub in All Cannings the route took in some of the county’s most famous landmarks.

Hannah Miller, challenge events Manager for Julia’s House said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part in the Great Wiltshire Walk.

“Despite this being a really tough challenge there was a fantastic atmosphere on the day and it was inspiring to see the effort that everybody put in to support our families, who face their own challenges every day.

“We would love to run the event again next year with a few tweaks to the route to make it even better and hopefully introduce a 13 mile route too.”

All of the money raised from the Great Wiltshire Walk will go towards supporting local families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

The 52 walkers left All Cannings along the Kennett and Avon Canal, heading north through the county’s beautiful prehistoric landscape towards Round Way Down and the Cherhill White Horse.

The route then passed through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avebury and finished with spectacular panoramic views over the Vale of Pewsey, where those taking part were able to celebrate their achievements with a hog roast and glass of Prosecco.

Julia’s House does not receive any government funding for its services in Wiltshire and is entirely reliant on public fundraising, donations and legacies.

It currently supports 64 families living in Wiltshire.

The Devizes hospice opened in 2017 and Gazette readers helped raise £100,000 for the work of the charity.

It now supports families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. Many of these children require round the clock care, which has a huge impact on family life.

A spokesman said: “Julia’s House provides bespoke care for every family it supports. Parents can choose when, where and how they receive their care – at home, in the community or at one of the charity’s two hospices – making it a truly flexible service.

“Julia’s House is there for the whole family, not just the sick child, providing emotional support and social opportunities for parents, grandparents and siblings to help break the cycle of anxiety and isolation that can impact family life.

“This regular respite and support, plus emergency and end-of-life care, is provided completely free to families thanks to the generosity of the local community. Julia’s House relies on public donations, fundraising and legacies for 95 per cent of the money needed to run its vital service.”

Julia’s House has been rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.