Peter Gale, 51, has raised £1,400 for Peterborough’s Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice by completing a 10km charity walk dressed in a vibrant Morris tatter coat he made with his late mother. The Market Deeping resident took part in the challenge with his wife and friends after the original Sue Ryder Starlight Hike was cancelled last month due to Storm Amy. The focus key phrase for this article is Morris tatter coat charity hike.
Mr Gale said he wanted to honour his mother, who had been cared for at Thorpe Hall Hospice during the final months of her life. “When the chance came to raise funds for the hospice that cared for her so well, it felt only right to walk in her honour wearing the coat we made together,” he said.
The Starlight Hike at Peterborough’s Ferry Meadows was originally scheduled for 4 October and was expected to attract over 400 walkers and 90 volunteers. Participants had the choice of a 5km or 10km route, but the event was cancelled due to forecasted wind gusts of up to 40mph, described by organisers as dangerously high.
Despite the cancellation, supporters of the charity continued fundraising, with the hospice reporting that £30,000 has already been raised towards its £41,000 target. Mr Gale’s contribution was part of this ongoing effort to support Sue Ryder, which provides palliative and bereavement care.
Mr Gale and his mother had crafted the tatter coat together before she was diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly after her 70th birthday. A retired sewing enthusiast, she had hoped to spend more time creating items to sell in support of the hospice. The pair worked on the colourful coat as a way to make the most of their time together.
“I wore the coat during visits to the hospice so she could see my handiwork,” Mr Gale said. “I even once visited her dressed up as a traditional tree to make her smile. The Sue Ryder staff made mum’s final months as comfortable and dignified as possible. This walk was my way of saying thank you.”
During the hike along Market Deeping village, Mr Gale was joined by his wife and friends, completing the 10km route in honour of his mother. “Now, whenever I dance, I know she’s there – probably checking I’ve taken all the pins out,” he added.
Annette Mawby, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, praised the local support. “The kindness and generosity shown by the community has been astonishing. The support means so much to us,” she said.
Mr Gale’s Morris tatter coat charity hike demonstrates how personal dedication and creativity can make a meaningful difference for local hospice care while celebrating the memory of loved ones.
