PORTERING and security staff from Royal Hampshire County Hospital swapped corridors for the road to Canterbury in a fundraising challenge for Winchester Hospice.

A team of four took a 133 mile walk from Winchester to Canterbury, known as the Pilgrim’s Way, and have raised more than £1,400 for the appeal.

No formal training was required before the big event – instead their days jobs helped prepare, as they often walk between 10 to 12 miles a day around the hospital.

Keith Elms, one of the porters taking part alongside Nick Standen, Andy Mitchell and Monty Armstrong, said: “As a team we decided we wanted to get involved in the fundraising appeal for Winchester Hospice and do our bit to help.

“One of the team had heard of the Pilgrim’s Way walk and after a bit of research we decided to go for it.”

The group set off on the hottest day of the year and they often walked long distances at night to make up some of the miles lost during the sunny days.

Keith added: “A combination of the heat and the hills was the most difficult part, but we all kept each other motivated to keep on walking.

“It was emotional at times because we all have connections to hospices and know the difference they make, so when it was tough we thought of our families, which gave us the strength to carry on.

“It is an incredible feeling to have completed the challenge. The whole experience was a real adventure and we are all so happy to have done it in aid of Winchester Hospice.”

As well as providing inpatient care, Winchester Hospice will provide a hub for specialist palliative care in the community through outpatient services, therapies and caring for people in their own homes.