A CASH-STRAPPED charity was forced to cancel its biggest fundraiser that secures tens of thousands of pounds annually.

Sobell House that provides end-of-life care to people in Oxfordshire is facing the financial loss of its biggest event – the Light the Night charity walk – but instead, it has found a 'unique' solution that many residents may want to get behind.

The Oxford-based hospice announced a new 'virtual' challenge that will see supporters lace on their walking shoes for a solo trek.

Every year, hundreds of women, men and children from all over Oxfordshire gather together in Oxford to take part in Light the Night.

They all take on the challenge of a ten-mile walk to raise money for Sobell House Hospice.

This year, however, with strict coronavirus restrictions on mass gatherings, the popular event will not be possible.

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A spokesperson for the hospice said this is a 'big financial problem' for the charity, because the Light the Night is one of its biggest fundraising events, raising on average £40,000 each year.

The pandemic has also forced many supporters cancel their own fundraising events too.

Events manger Cara Waller explained that this year participants will be able to choose their own distance.

She said: “Because we cannot get a lot of people together like we used to, we are asking them to choose their own a distance.

"For example five miles, setting-off from their home at 7.30pm on Saturday, September 5.

"It is still a challenge, so we hope people will take part, get sponsored, and raise much needed funds for our much-loved Hospice."

Walkers will be asked to join the charity on Facebook Live at 7pm for a special opening ceremony.

Ms Waller commented: "We hope by doing this everyone taking part will feel connected even though we can’t be together this year."

The walk should start at 7.30pm on Saturday, September 5, and can be completed in people's homes, gardens or outside, as long as participants comply with Government guidelines and social distancing regulations at all times.

Everyone taking part will receive a Light the Night T-shirt to commemorate the special occasion.

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Participants who raise more than £25 in sponsorship will also get a medal in the post for going that extra mile.

Ms Waller added: "We are very much hoping that our local community will rally round its hospice and help us replace

some of that lost income.

"It is not the Light the Night we know and love but it is still a chance to challenge yourself and support your local charity.

"We are hoping that will inspire people to join us on this virtual challenge and share their walk with us on social media."

Many organisations including Sobell House Hospice have had to cancel or postpone fundraisers during the pandemic or have slightly 'tweaked' events and taken them 'online' to make the best out of a bad situation.

For more information on how to sign up to the walk in September visit www.sobellhouse.org/event/light-the-night