5 Lakes Challenge

Five years ago, Jim Bennett, then the President of Hospice Africa France, had the idea of doing a 100km sponsored walk from the palliative care centre in St Malo to Rennes hospital’s end of life ward to raise awareness and money for Hospice Africa.

Only Jim and George did the first walk. Further adventures were organised in subsequent years, each with a different theme. The number of walkers taking part grew, as did the average age of the walkers.

Unfortunately, in mid-2025 Jim was diagnosed with motor neurone disease which is rapidly reducing his ability to breathe, eat and move. He now depends on a permanent supply of oxygen and on being fed through his side.

Jim is determined that his illness doesn’t bring an end to this tradition of the annual 100 kilometre walk as the money raised each year is so vital in supporting the work of palliative care in some of the poorest regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Although he cannot walk himself, Jim plans to join the walkers for parts of their journeys in his electric wheelchair.

The theme for this year’s walk is “The Five Lakes Challenge”. The challenge will take place between 26 and 31 March and each day there will be a 20 km walk including at least one lake within easy driving range of Jugon les Lacs. Many people will be taking part in different ways.

You can support the walkers and Hospice Africa to help relieve the suffering of people in very challenging conditions at the end of their lives by using the Just Giving site – link (For English version and friends in UK)

By sending a cheque, payable to Hospice Africa France to The Charity Shop, 17 Place du Martray, Jugon les Lacs, 22270 or by making a contribution in The Charity Shop. If you would like a ??? for reclaiming tax, please complete the form on the reverse.

If you would like to know more about the work of Hospice Africa, you can find this on their website. https://www.hospice-africa.org

The Lakes

Betineuc Lake Evran

Tremelin Lake (west of Rennes)

Lamballe Lake

Bobital Lake

St. Herve /St. Barthelemy Ploufragan

(The above is not definitive, at this stage simply illustrative

The Charity Walk

This year's challenge for the Ancients Walking Group is to walk upto 100km along and around the environs of the 5 lakes identified above. Once again, they are raising funds for the work of Hospice Africa France.

As was the case last year all donated funds will go towards HAF's work in Benin where local healthcare workers, trained over the years by HAF, are about to establish a centre of excellence in palliative care in French-speaking Africa.

For those who wish to make a donation please go to our 'Donate' page

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