Ottery postman, Steve Pearcey, has raised more than £6,000 for Hospiscare by extending his usual postal route and walking 100 miles in a week.
Steve, 58, who lives in Chineway Gardens in Ottery, participated in ‘Men’s Walk – Your Way’ on Saturday, March 20 with 630 other supporters. Hospiscare’s annual sponsored walk couldn’t go ahead in the usual format this year due to the country being in lockdown and so participants were asked to walk locally instead.
Steve decided to go one step further and rather than fitting his walk into just one day he stretched it out over the course of a week, reaching his own target of having walked 100 miles before the Men’s Walk – Your Way main event. Steve’s efforts saw him raise £6,404 for the charity, making him the top fundraiser.
Speaking to the Herald before his walk, Steve said: “Hospiscare cared for my wife at the end of her life and supported us as we adjusted to life without her. I just want to give a bit back to ensure the charity’s services are available for others who may need them in the future.”
After completing his walk, Steve said: “I was blown away by the generosity of my family, friends and customers from my postal rounds. I had no idea how good the response would be. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me, and also to my son and daughter, Aidan and Lauren, for helping and encouraging me.”
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Hospiscare has been overwhelmed by the support the community has shown Men’s Walk in its new format. The charity would like to thank everyone who took part in Men’s Walk – Your Way and, although the walkers had to take part in groups miles apart, together they raised a phenomenal £87,833 to support end-of-life care in the heart of Devon.
“Men’s Walk – Your Way could not have taken place without the sponsorship of Wilkinson Grant who have been behind the event every step of the way. Men’s Walk would not be the same without a pint and a pasty and the charity would also like to thank Exeter Brewery and Chunk of Devon for making this possible.”