A walker whose wife received “amazing” care from a hospice hopes to give back to the charity with an upcoming event.

Peter Gullis, secretary of the South Loughton Old Walkers Society (Slows), has helped organise the fourth annual forest walk for St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood.

On October 9 walkers will tackle a five mile circular route from the Victoria Tavern in Loughton to fundraise for the hospice.

Mr Gullis is passionate about supporting St Clare following the care his wife Patricia received from the charity.

He said: “I personally, along with other members of Slows, wanted to support St Clare as I’ve seen the amazing work they do.

“My wife Patsy was cared for by both the hospice’s inpatient unit and also by the Hospice at Home nurses once she was discharged.

“The way they looked after us was second to none.

“Every member of Slows knows of somebody who has been looked after by St Clare, and that is why we continue to support them each year.

“It is a charity which is close to all of our hearts.”

The five mile walk includes a 30 minute halfway stop at the Royal Forest Hotel in Chingford.

After the return to Loughton, a buffet and raffle will be held for St Clare and the society hopes to beat last year’s event total of £2,000.

Tickets for the walk can be bought on the day for £10 including lunch, with children and dogs walking for free.

The walk starts at 11am, meeting at the Victoria Tavern in Smarts Lane from 10.30am.

For more information, phone 0208 502 2169 or 07885 493 924.