Herriot Hospice Homecare has put out a last call to walkers to join its nine-mile charity hike, as it prepares to start welcoming patients to its new facility by the end of the year.

The Thirsk-based charity will be staging the Herriot Hike, which starts at Sutton Bank and follows the Cleveland Way, on Saturday, October 5.

The hike, said to be the finest walk in England, is one of the charity’s biggest fundraising events this year. 

Herriot Hospice Homecare has cared for people living with terminal illnesses at home across Hambleton and Richmondshire for over three decades, and will soon open Herriot Hospice@The Lambert, an inpatient facility at the former Lambert Memorial Hospital, in Thirsk.

It will serve families living with terminal illness and bereavement across Hambleton and Richmondshire.

Peter Wright at the launch eventPeter Wright at the launch event (Image: Herriot Hospice Homecare) Peter Wright, The Yorkshire Vet and an ambassador for Herriot Hospice Homecare, spoke at the community launch of Herriot Hospice@The Lambert, which took place on Sunday, September 15.

“My sister-in-law was only 56 and her partner was only 61 when they died, they both died within six months of each other and Herriot Hospice Home care was invaluable with my sister-in-law when she was terminally ill.”

Sutton Bank is an area included in the Herriot HikeSutton Bank is an area included in the Herriot Hike (Image: Herriot Hospice Homecare) Both his grandfathers died in The Lambert when it was a cottage hospital.

Along with hundreds of hospice supporters, Peter fundraised to help make Herriot Hospice@The Lambert a reality, stating the cause is “very dear to his heart”.

North Yorkshire MP Rishi Sunak visits Thirsk hospiceNorth Yorkshire MP Rishi Sunak visits Thirsk hospice (Image: RISHI SUNAK MP) The centre is anticipated to begin welcoming patients for its initial services by the end of the year.

Richmond and Northallerton MP Rishi Sunak paid a visit, ahead of the facility’s doors opening to patients.

Mr Sunak said: “It was great to see what has been created at The Lambert. It will be a superb facility which I know many of my constituents have done so much to make a reality.

“Herriot Hospice Homecare is a much-loved organisation and this development of its well-used service will be welcomed.”

Entry to the Herriot Hike is just £15 per person, with participants asked to commit to raising a minimum of £50 in sponsorship, for details go to herriothh.org.uk