A Scout group will be taking on a 10k walk to raise money for a hospice.

Scout Leader Paul Blanch has gathered a team of walkers from the Randwick Scout group to raise money for Longfield Hospice who are based in Minchinhampton.

Paul will be walking in memory of two people close to his heart.

His father Ray, who served on the Scouts Executive Committee for over 15 years died suddenly in 2016, following a diagnosis of liver cancer.

Paul’s sister, Sarah, who was also involved in the scout and guiding movement, died in April this year following a short battle with cancer.

Sarah was just 41 and leaves behind a two-year-old daughter, Alice.

Longfield Hospice provided Hospice at Home Care for both Ray and Sarah, enabling them to die in her own homes.

Paul explains: “Longfield were there for us at a time when we needed their help.

"Their care, compassion and expertise meant that both my Dad and Sister could die at home, something they very much wanted to do.

"I wanted to give something back to the hospice to thank them for their tremendous help and support.

"Asking my Scout Group to join me and help raise money was a no brainer.”

Paul, his Scouts and their families will join the walk for the 10k route on Friday, June 14.

Longfield is asking people to join either a 5k or 10k walk which will help around 1,000 people in Gloucestershire every year who are living with life limiting illnesses.

Everyone who takes part will get a free cone courtesy of Winstones Cotswolds Ice Cream company.

Walkers will also be able to dedicate a heart in memory of someone special - these will be displayed in the memory garden at the charity’s grounds.

As well as free ice cream from Winstones, a pop-up bar, live music and food will be available in the evening, open until 10pm.

Ali Russell, Chief Executive of Longfield, stressed the importance of the walk and the support it gets. He said: “Your footsteps will change people’s lives. Every year Longfield supports hundreds of patients with life-limiting illnesses, along with the families.

“We can only do this with support from the people of Gloucestershire. By taking part in the walk and making a donation you will help change someone’s life at a time when they need it most.”

The evening walk starts at 6.30pm on Friday June 14th, setting off from Longfield’s base in Burleigh Lane, Minchinhampton.

For more information or to register visit longfield.org.uk/Event/walk-for-longfield2 or call 01453 886868

The price is £12 for adults and £7 for under 16s. Children under the age of three go free. Discounted family and adult group tickets are also available.