A Cheltenham man’s journey along the South West Coast Path has raised more than £30,000 in tribute to his beloved wife. 

Phil Brown, who is 66, completed his epic 630-mile adventure during June, raising money for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, where his wife Anna died in January following a short illness.

The route, that included a gradient equivalent to climbing Mount Everest four times, was a very special one for Phil as he and Anna had always planned to do the South West Coast Path together. 

Looking back on his incredible challenge Phil said: “I understand more today than I did at the time just quite what an extraordinary feat it was – to have raised more than £30,000 is amazing.   

“I miss the freedom of those days walking and the stunning scenery. The love and support from complete strangers every day of the walk will stay with me forever.”

As well as honouring Anna’s memory Phil was determined to raise as much money as possible for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, which provided care and support for Anna and her family in the final weeks of her life.

“My daughter Alex, son Max and I spent two weeks with Anna in Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice,” said Phil. “The care Anna received at the hospice was truly wonderful. My children and I could never find the words to express our gratitude.”

Reflecting on what Anna would have made of his South West Coast Path success, Phil added: “I believe she would be beyond proud of what I have achieved and if she is looking down on me now, as I dearly pray she is, she will know that I love her as much today as I ever did.”

Phil will once again be lacing up his hiking boots for the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham on Saturday.

“I am looking forward to the Starlight Hike as I want to start celebrating Anna's life and to enjoy remembering her with my friends and new friends,” he said.

“I will never stop raising money in her memory for the fantastic Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.”

Laura Jeffries, senior community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice said: “We are blown away by the amount that Phil has raised for us so far, and we’d like to say an enormous thank you for his continued dedication and commitment by taking part in Starlight Hike on 18th October.

“It is thanks to our supporters like Phil, that we can continue providing care to people when they need it most.”

To support Phil's walk, visit Phil Brown is fundraising for Sue Ryder

To follow Phil's journey, visit  www.fortheloveofanna.com

To sign up for Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham, visit sueryder.org/StarlightCheltenham