A woman has walked 85 miles in under 85 days ahead of her 85th birthday in memory of her son-in-law.
Rosemarie Cooke, from Hartley Wintney, completed the charity walk ahead of her 85th birthday in July, raising more than £1,000 for Woking and Sam Beare Hospice.
The walk was a tribute to her son-in-law, Kevin Winters, who died of pancreatic cancer last August.
He spent his final days at the hospice, where Mrs Cooke said the care and compassion shown to him inspired her fundraising challenge.
Mrs Cooke said: "I am turning 85 this year and am going to try and walk 85 miles in less than 85 days to raise funds for the Woking and Sam Beare Hospice.
"Last year our lovely Kevin spent his last days there and we couldn’t have asked for any better care.
"We appreciated what they provided more than we can say and they helped us get through an unimaginably difficult time.
"So I would like to do my bit and raise some funds for them and this seems a good challenge for me.
"If anybody wants to join me on any of my walks, let me know."
Her walk not only reached her fundraising goal but also captured the support of the wider community, who rallied behind her efforts.
Mrs Cooke is a mother of four, grandmother to nine, and great-grandmother to eight.
She is well-known and loved throughout the village, and her family describes her as caring and full of warmth.
Her walk became a communal effort, with friends and villagers joining her on sections of the journey.
The hospice said her support will help other families receive the same level of care that meant so much to her own during such a difficult time.
Woking and Sam Beare Hospice provides specialist end-of-life care for patients and support for their loved ones.
The charity relies heavily on donations and fundraising efforts to continue its work across the region.
Donations can still be made through her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/rosemarie-cooke-1
Her determination and community spirit have not only raised vital funds but have also honoured Kevin’s memory in a meaningful way.
As she marks her 85th birthday, her achievement stands as a reminder of the power of kindness and the impact of giving something back.
For those moved by her story, the hospice continues to welcome donations and volunteers to help support its services.
