PEOPLE are being invited to put on their walking shoes this year to help raise money for a New Forest hospice.

The Oakhaven Walk will raise money for Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington.

There are three different challenges people can chose from, each taking place on Saturday, May 18.

Each of the routes will take on seafront and coastal paths ranging from 26 miles from Sandbanks, 14 miles from Mudeford, or eight miles from Barton-on-Sea.

Oakhaven Hospice said: “All in all, the Oakhaven Walk provides a great way to start 2024, by challenging yourself to train for and take part in a fun, scenic event whilst supporting a highly important local cause.”

Registration is now open with early bird tickets available until January 31.

The 26-mile route costs £18 for entry, of £30 including transfer, with the 14-mile and 8-mile routes priced at £15 and £12 respectively.

For children aged under 16, a £5 discount will apply.

The registration fee includes a T-shirt to wear on the day, snacks and drinks for all distances, lunch for those walking 26 miles, a glass of fizz at the finish line (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and food at the finish line.

Entrants are asked to commit to raising a minimum of £100 in sponsorship or donation for Oakhaven Hospice.

All funds raised will help Oakhaven continue providing palliative care and support to patients and their families throughout the New Forest, Totton and Waterside areas, free of charge.

As well as the 10 beds in the inpatient unit, Oakhaven cares for patients with life-limiting illnesses in their own homes, which is around 300 at any time.

Last year, Oakhaven cared for 1,394 patients and their families and loved ones, with around 3,200 people visiting the Coates Centre to benefit from wellbeing support.