FUNDRAISERS braved the chilly January weather to support terminally ill people across the county.

About 180 people gathered at Woodstock's Blenheim Palace this morning for Sobell House Hospice Charity’s first Winter Walk.

Donning their warmest winter wear, families and their dogs completed a four-mile circuit around the palace gardens.

Yvonne Winter travelled from Nuneham Courtenay to join the walk on behalf of niece and cancer patient Tessa Clibbon, 44, who was unable to make it to the event.

The 63-year-old said: "I’m supporting this for her because she is a patient at the hospice two days a week. The staff are such kind, friendly people and they do give her a lot of help and support."

Walk leader Kevin Game said it costs about £4m to run the hospice and support about 3,000 patients each year.

He added: "We wanted to get that opportunity to get out there early and put our arms around everyone. It just builds that whole Sobell community that is really important for us and the families that have been through the experience of Sobell House."

Heating engineer Dean Gallacher took part in the fundraising stroll with wife Anne-Marie, 50, and friends Phill Williams, 55, and Mary Williams, 52.

The 50-year-old from Wheatley said: "The hospice gives people dignity toward the end. I see it as a half way point for letting people go. Obviously when people go to Sobell House, it’s the end, and it helps them and the families."

The Headington-based hospice provides palliative and end of life care to adults across Oxfordshire.