HUNDREDS of people took part in a 14-mile pier-to-pier walking challenge to raise vital funds for a hospice.

More than 600 people signed up to raise money for St Helena Hospice, which runs an inpatient unit in Colchester and two day centres in Colchester and Clacton

Participants walked seven miles from Clacton Pier to Walton Pier on Sunday – and some managed to complete the return leg for a 14-mile round trip.

Sophie Harvey, community and events manager at St Helena Hospice, thanked fundraisers for their efforts during the day.

“It was a fantastic event,” she said. “A lot of people turned up to take on the 14-mile challenge and everyone had a great day out in the sun.

“It is a great cause to support and I would like to thank everyone who took part and thank all the sponsors who supported the event.”

The hospice aims to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people with life-limiting illness, no matter what their diagnosis.

Doctors, nurses and social workers support families, including children, before and after bereavement free of charge at the hospice.