Last month Karen Barbato and Martin Thompson were regularly spotted around the village, taking part in a charity challenge to raise funds for the Guildford branch of the bereavement charity SoBS.

They undertook to walk from their home each day to total 30 miles in 30 days as part of a fund-raising campaign to mark the 30^th anniversary of SoBs – Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide.

Many of their Hambledon friends will know that Karen lost her son Ben in very sad circumstances two years ago. Martin is a familiar face at the village shop. Villagers took the cause to their hearts and gave to the Just Giving link that appeared on this website to publicise their endeavour.

At the last count the appeal had raised £3.323, far exceeding the target figure of £1,000.  With Gift Aid added in, the total comes close to £4,000. And although money came from across the greater Guildford area, it is clear that Martin and Karen played a significant role in attracting donations.

They said: “We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of our friends, neighbours and colleagues in and around Hambledon. 

“Walking to raise funds for SOBS turned out to be very therapeutic.  We found ourselves looking forward to a stroll around the village especially on a sunny evening.  We even made it to the Merry Harriers on a couple of occasions.  A round trip of 2.46 miles!  Our favourite walk however, was across the common and up to the viewpoint.  Absolutely beautiful!

“What a great village and great community”.

“The overall total raised countrywide is over £45,000. This money will go towards developing the services offered by this very important charity. It is an amazing total which is still rising”.

Thank you all so much.

Karen & Martin

If you would like to give, and have not had an opportunity to do so, the link is: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/guildford-sobs