Teenage fundraiser takes on 70-mile dog walk to support Rowans Hospice in memory of her dad

Throughout October, Hallie Scobie from Wecock Farm has been heading out whatever the weather with her trusty sidekick Chase to rack up the miles for Rowans Hospice.

Hallie, 16, usually takes part in the Starlit Walk with sisters Honnie, 13, and 11-year-old Hope in memory of their dad Michael, who they lost to cancer when Hallie was five.

Michael was cared for by Rowans Hospice, and the family was supported after he died with counselling, fun activities through the Meerkat group and more.

Mum Jodie said: ‘They were absolutely fantastic, not just supporting him while he was there but the support we had afterwards was beyond what we would expect to have.

‘They still continue to do amazing work for other people in our situation. They go beyond what they should do.’

When this year’s Starlit Walk couldn’t go ahead in the usual way due to the pandemic, Hallie took it upon herself to commit to walking a total of 70 miles in the wind and rain.

Hallie said: ‘I just felt like with everything they have done for us, it’s something so small to do. Even if I can give back a quarter of what they have ever done for us it’s still something.

‘Some days it has been raining and windy and busy days with me at work and college so I have worked around it.’

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Taking on anywhere between one and eight miles each day has seen Highbury College student and Dominos worker Hallie trek to Leigh Park, Purbrook and Denmead with Chase by her side.

Hallie has raised more than £500 through the effort, with friends, family and old friends of Michael’s pitching in with donations and words of encouragement.

Jodie said: ‘It’s more than we have raised through the Starlit Walk. I think a lot of people have appreciated she’s done this off her own back, I’m really proud of her.

‘I think it touches a lot of people. Everyone knows what Hallie’s dad went through, he was a very popular, well-liked man. Cancer affects so many people these days unfortunately, so it does touch a lot of people.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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