A Huntingdonshire woman is going the extra mile for the Sue Ryder Hospice by embarking on an epic 1,200-mile walking fundraiser.

Hilary Holmes, 55, from Godmanchester, is halfway through her third mammoth walking challenge for Sue Ryder St John's Hospice in Moggerhanger, Bedfordshire.

Hilary has been walking 100 miles a month this year to fundraise for the hospice, which cared for both of her parents in their final days and has found walking helps her cope with her grief.  

The Hunts Post: Hilary has walked 700 miles this year so far and is on track to hit her 1,200 mile target.Hilary has walked 700 miles this year so far and is on track to hit her 1,200 mile target. (Image: Hilary Holmes)

"For me walking really helps, it gets me out in the fresh air," said Hilary.

"Sometimes I have music on, and sometimes I just listen to the birds.

"After mum died, it gave me a reason to get out of the house, whereas all I really wanted to do was stay at home.

"There are days when I think I don't want to go out, but because I am walking for a reason, a charity close to my heart, it makes me get on out there."  

This is the third year she has set herself a walking challenge, which began while her mother was receiving end-of-life care at Sue Ryder St John's Hospice in 2021. 

READ MORE: Hilary walks one thousand miles for hospice to remember parents

Hilary's previous two fundraising walks saw her walk 1000 miles a year, but this time she will go an extra 200 miles for the charity.

The Hunts Post: Hilary's parents, Rosemary and David, were both cared for by the Sue Ryder Hospice in their final days.Hilary's parents, Rosemary and David, were both cared for by the Sue Ryder Hospice in their final days. (Image: Hilary Holmes)

Since 2018, Hilary has raised an incredible £4,416.46 for Sue Ryder St John's Hospice, which includes funds from when she took part in the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike shortly after her father, who was also cared for at the Moggerhanger Sue Ryder Hospice, died.

Hilary said: "It was nice seeing dad looked after - knowing he was being well cared for. 

"Sue Ryder was always there for us as a family too, and each member of staff was always very compassionate."

"When mum was poorly, the hospice staff were so kind to her too.

"It was the little things that made a difference to her, everything was done with so much care. They really got to know me too and understood how hard it was for me."  

Hilary's walks take her around her local area, including along the river in Godmanchester, Priory Park in Bedford and Grafham Water. 

The Hunts Post: Raising money for the hospice is Hilary's way of saying thank you for all they did and so other people and families can receive the same level of care.Raising money for the hospice is Hilary's way of saying thank you for all they did and so other people and families can receive the same level of care. (Image: Hilary Holmes)

She has already reached 700 miles this year, so is firmly on track to meet her target of 1,200 miles by December 15, the anniversary of her mother's death.   

Portia Willock-Bruce, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John's Hospice, said: "We are so grateful to Hilary for her incredible fundraising efforts and amazed at just how far she is walking this year so far!

"It's thanks to fundraisers like Hilary's that we can continue to be there when it matters for families at the most difficult times of their lives."  

Hilary added. "I would like to say a huge thank you to my friends and family who regularly support my fundraising efforts. I would love to reach a total of £5,000 this year – that would just be fantastic!" 

If you wish to donate to Hilary's fundraiser, visit: justgiving.com/page/hilary-holmes-1687270593675.