Over 160 walkers and their dogs braved the chilly weather to raise around £3,000 for St Clare Hospice.

Winter Walkies is a 5k canine-inspired, charity fundraising event held every February in the grounds of the Hastingwood-based Hospice.

Participants and their pooches contributed an estimated £3,000 in vital funds for west Essex and east Hertfordshire patients and staff on Sunday, February 23.

This could be enough to fund over 60 home visits from a Hospice at Home nursing assistant who provides care and emotional support.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Over 160 dogwalkers and their pets raised around £3,000 for St Clare Hospice on Sunday, February 23

Events fundraiser at St Clare, Emma Broadbent, said: “Another year, another absolutely fantastic turnout at Winter Walkies, despite the temperamental weather.

“People came in spite of the wind and rain, which shows just how much of a favourite the event is.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone (and their furry friends) who came along and helped to generate thousands of pounds for our hospice care.”

For more events in aid of St Clare Hospice, visit stclarehospice.org.uk/events