Clarendon Way Walk nets £70k in milestone 20th year
The 20th annual Naomi and Jack’s Clarendon Way Walk drew hundreds across Hampshire, raising over £70,000 for specialist pediatric hospice care. Route options ranged from five to 26 miles, marking two decades of lifeline support for families in central southern England.
The 20th edition of Naomi and Jack’s Clarendon Way Walk concluded Sunday with over 500 participants trekking Hampshire’s scenic Watercress Way, delivering a record £70,000 to Naomi and Jack’s — a Sutton Scotney charity providing round-the-clock palliative care for babies, children, and young adults.
The charity, which operates Naomi House and Jack’s Place, confirmed funds are still climbing as late donations arrive. Registration opened immediately for 2027, signaling the event’s growing legacy.
| Route Length | Participants | Funds Raised (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 26 miles | 87 | £18,400 |
| 12 miles | 213 | £31,200 |
| 5 miles | 234 | £20,400 |
Charlotte Patrick, events team leader at Naomi and Jack’s, said walkers included families who have participated for over a decade. “The sheer dedication is humbling,” she said. “Their support ensures we can keep our hospices open 24/7, offering not just medical care but moments of joy for children facing the toughest challenges.”
💡 Pro Tip
To maximize impact, corporate teams are encouraged to sponsor pit stops — each £500 covers water stations, first aid, and morale boosts along the route.
Cllr Jamie Scott, Mayor of Winchester, greeted walkers at the start near Winchester Cathedral. “It was a sea of determination and smiles,” he said. “Every step echoed the trust families place in Naomi and Jack’s.” The charity also offers community breaks, specialist respite, and bereavement support across central southern England.
Key Points
- ✅ 534 participants walked 5, 12, or 26 miles on June 9
- ⚡ Total raised now exceeds £2 million since 2004
- 💡 Naomi House cares for babies and children with life-limiting conditions
- 🔄 Registration for 2027 is open online and in-person
Naomi and Jack’s is the only provider in the region offering 24/7 specialist hospice care for children and young adults. Jack’s Place, its satellite unit, supports young adults transitioning to adulthood with tailored independence programs. The charity’s model blends clinical excellence with family-centered activities, including music therapy, sensory gardens, and sibling support groups.
📋 By The Numbers
- 24/7 — Hours of care provided daily at Naomi House and Jack’s Place
- 365 days — Services available every day of the year, including bank holidays
- 15 — Average length of stay in months for in-patient care
- 7 — Local authority areas served across central southern England
This year’s walk saw a 12% increase in participation compared to 2023, driven by corporate sponsorships and family teams. Among them was a group of three children from Winchester who completed the full marathon route, raising £1,200 individually. Their effort was matched by a local theater group that walked 100 miles across the South Downs over three days in March, donating their proceeds to the cause.
- First — 26-mile route: Starts at Winchester Cathedral, passes through Micheldever and ends at Salisbury Cathedral
- Second — 12-mile route: Links Sparsholt and St. Cross, passing ancient water meadows
- Third — 5-mile route: A gentle loop from Stockbridge, winding along the River Test
Naomi and Jack’s relies entirely on donations and fundraising. Every £100 covers a day of specialist nursing; £50 provides a family meal in the hospice dining room. The charity plans to use the Clarendon Way Walk proceeds to upgrade sensory therapy rooms and expand overnight family accommodation.
- 📊 Over 70% of funds raised locally stay in Hampshire, supporting 400+ children annually
- 🔍 Jack’s Place is the UK’s only young adult hospice unit tailored for ages 18 to 40
- ⚠️ Demand has risen 28% in five years as referrals for complex pediatric conditions grow
As the sun set over Salisbury Cathedral on Sunday evening, organizers tallied donations and celebrated a milestone: two decades of walking hearts toward hope. With registration for 2027 now open, the charity is poised to welcome even more families next year.