Chris’s Coast Path Challenge Raises Thousands for End of Life Care

A man who set out to run 104 miles along the Cornwall coastal path in memory of his friend has raised nearly £4,000 for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth – despite being forced to stop partway through due to injury.

Chris Agnew took on the gruelling route from Coverack to Porthtowan to honour his late friend Mark Sanders. Although injury meant he couldn’t complete the full distance, Chris still managed an impressive 55 miles before having to stop.

Backed by local developer

Chris’s fundraising total received a major boost thanks to a £1,000 donation from Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon, one of the South West’s largest housebuilders.

The developer’s support came via its Community Champions scheme, which sees £700,000 distributed annually to local causes and charities across Britain. Recent local beneficiaries have included Argyle Community Foundation, Newquay Foodbank, Falmouth Boxing Club, Home-Start Kernow, and Argyle Pride.

This marks the second time Persimmon has donated £1,000 to St Luke’s Hospice, following a similar contribution last year.

“A noble cause”

Jane Cartwright, Sales Director at Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon, said:

“Chris’ ambition to raise money for a Hospice that Persimmon already had a link with caught our eye and we were more than happy to support him.
Although he wasn’t able to finish the whole race as planned, something I know Chris is gutted about, he still managed a very impressive feat for a noble cause, and is totally deserving of this donation. Well done, Chris!”

Chris added:

“I am really grateful to all those who donated money for St Luke’s, especially Persimmon for their large donation.
My friend Mark was very dear to me and I just wanted to honour his memory and mark our friendship by running this race. I wish injury didn’t get in the way, but I know the money will do a lot of good.”

Supporting end of life care

St Luke’s Hospice has been providing specialist end of life care for over 40 years, supporting people across Plymouth, South West Devon and East Cornwall – whether in their own homes, in hospital or at the charity’s specialist unit in Turnchapel.

The hospice works in partnership with healthcare professionals at Derriford Hospital and Livewell Southwest, with teams made up of specialist doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and social workers.

Sarah Wallis, Partnership Lead at St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, said:

“We want to wish big congratulations to Chris and say thank you for raising all this money for the Hospice.
This will help us provide the quality end of life care that people deserve, with dignity, comfort, and choice for people affected by life-limiting illnesses through delivering and influencing exceptional care.”

Persimmon, a five-star developer, currently has sites in Cornwall and West Devon, including Bideford, Falmouth, Helston, Liskeard, Okehampton, Newquay, and Plymouth.