MORE than 170 walkers battled biting winds to take on the first ten mile Men’s March to raise funds for Weston Hospicecare.

On Saturday (March 9) hardy hikers walked from the Grand Pier on Weston Seafront to Sand Point via Weston Woods and Sand Bay, before following the return route back to the pier.

They were rewarded with a free pint of cider when they crossed the finish line thanks to event sponsor Thatchers Cider and a free pasty to refuel before congregating in the Grand Pier’s Regency Suite to watch England’s Six Nations clash with Italy.

The windy conditions made the walk challenging for those taking part and many were walking in memory of a loved one, while others simply wanted to take part in support of a local cause. 

Kelsey Dehaney, organiser of the event, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who took part, volunteered and helped support us put on the first Men’s March in aid of Weston Hospicecare.

“A special thanks to Thatchers Cider for sponsoring the event, to the Grand Pier for hosting us, to Wessex 4x4 and MRU who kept everyone safe on the day and to A1 Camera Club who helped our communications team capture the event.

“We are really pleased with how everything went and we have already had some really positive feedback from participants who enjoyed the event. We believe the event was a huge success.”

Weston Hospicecare provides palliative care for people living with a life-limiting illness in Weston-super-Mare, Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea.

The hospice has to raise 80 per cent of its annual running costs through fundraising events, like the Men’s March, Strictly Fun Dancing and the Mendip Challenge, alongside revenue generated through retail and from public donations.