Bridlington woman to take on 1,500-mile challenge for Saint Catherine’s Hospice
A Bridlington woman is taking on a very special and meaningful challenge in memory of a dear friend.
Louise Brown will be walking 1,500 miles between April and August to raise money for Saint Catherine’s Hospice in memory of Ray Francis MBE, who passed away at the hospice in December.
Louise said: “Ray was a veteran serving his country for 23 years in the army, even getting mentioned in dispatches. He then became a prison officer and a prisoner nominated him for his MBE for services to charity.
“He helped many charities including the Special Olympics, Prison Service Games, Riding for the Disabled and Parkinson’s UK.”
In November 2025 Ray was taken ill and was cared for at Saint Catherine’s over Christmas. He sadly passed away on New Year’s Eve.
Louise is planning to walk 100 miles a week for 15 weeks, as Ray was in Saint Catherine’s for 15 nights. The distance of 1,500 is also significant as it costs around £1,500 for provide 24 hours of care for a patient.
April is also poignant as it is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which Ray suffered with.
She added that the overall distance is equivalent to 58 marathons, and that she is taking on the challenge in her 58th year.
Louise said: “I hope to raise as much money for Saint Catherine’s as possible. The work they do is amazing, not only for the patients but for the family as well.”
She is being supported in her efforts by her friends at Bridlington Veterans Group and is hoping to raise awareness and funds while out and about in her local area.
Go to www.justgiving.com/page/louise-brown-1500 to support Louise’s efforts.