Like many events The Great Mendip Rugby Walk, which was scheduled to take place in March, was postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak. This has now been rearranged to take place (virtually) from 1 - 31 May 2020 and Candlelight Care, who organise the yearly event, are hoping that participants new and old will take on the 6.5 mile challenge whilst adhering to their daily exercise allowance.

A tracker is available to log progress and in this digital world participants are encouraged to upload their walking selfies whilst completing the challenge. It is a great opportunity to get the whole family involved, getting daily exercise together whilst raising money for a great cause.

The Chairman of Candlelight Care, Peter Lugg said, "We were naturally disappointed that the walk this year had to be postponed, as it is a great event which raises funds for a wonderful cause. Exercise is such an important way to combat the impact of the current restrictions, and you don't even have to leave home to do it, as you can build up your miles walking around your garden or even your living room!"

St Margaret's has launched an urgent appeal to ensure that care and support is available to patients and their families across Somerset. The charity's doctors, nurses and therapists are helping to shoulder the huge burden on the NHS across our community, as our country faces the biggest health crisis in living memory. Already the 24-hour adviceline has become busier with calls, and nurses, both in the hospice inpatient unit and working across the community, are adapting how they provide care safely, and continue to offer advice, compassion and reassurance as the crisis escalates.

Ann Lee, CEO said "We have been humbled at the response we have received from our local community and can't thank people enough. The Candlelight team have come up with a wonderful way to still get people exercising and raising money when so many of our traditional events and campaigns are on hold. Thank you!"

There is no entry fee for the event, although the organisers are hoping individual or families taking part will make the suggested donation and if they are able, raise sponsorship to keep them going on their challenge. For more information on how to register, please visit St Margaret's Hospice website https://www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/mendip-virtual-rugby-walk. Every registered participant will receive a Great Mendip Virtual Rugby Walk certificate, and those who raise over £40 will also receive a Virtual Challenge medal!