Widow finishes walk in husband's memory

03 August 2009

Alan and Wendy

THE widow of a man who died before be could complete a 630mile coastal walk has finished the journey in his memory.

Wendy Perry has raised more than £1,000 for charity by finishing the route on behalf of her late husband Graham, who died aged 69 after becoming ill from cancer.

Wendy, Alan and friends at the finish line

In 2006 Graham, a university lecturer from Lower Langford, started walking the South West Coast Path with lifelong friend Alan Hibbert.

The route would have taken the pair from Poole in Dorset right round the coast to Minehead in Somerset. It was due to take place over three years as Graham and Alan planned to walk it in sections for a few weeks at a time.

But Graham, who lectured at the University of Bristol's veterinary college in Langford, became ill with cancer in 2007. He died later that year aged 69.

During his illness Graham was cared for by Weston Hospicecare.

Retired teacher Wendy said: "Taking part in the walk was very emotional, especially at the end.

"I would have joined Graham and Alan from the start but couldn't because of work commitments, so I ended up doing about 300miles of it.

"Graham was ill for several months but the care he received from the hospice was fantastic, which is why we decided we should finish the walk in his memory."

In 2008 his friend Alan, aged 71, decided to continue to carry on the walk to raise money for the Uphill-based hospice and joined Wendy, aged 69, who did the walk in memory of her late husband.

The duo completed the walk on July 2, arriving in Minehead having raised £1,050 for Weston Hospicecare.

Friends joined Alan and Wendy for the final parts of the walk and despite the pouring rain they toasted their achievement with a champagne reception when they reached the finish.

Alan, from Droxford near Winchester added: "There wasn't a mile that went past when we didn't think about Graham."

To find out more about fund-raising for Weston Hospicecare call 01934 423960 or visit www.westonhospicecare.org.uk