SOBELL House hosted its annual Winter Walk at Blenheim Palace on Sunday.

It welcomed people of all ages and abilities to take part in a walk on a trail around the Woodstock home’s beautiful grounds.

Now in its fifth year, a record number of more than 550 people took part in the 6-mile long event .

All proceeds went to the Sobell House Hospice Charity which aims to support those who are terminally ill, ensuring that good quality specialist palliative care and end of life support is provided by the Hospice.

Nanette Webb, from Carterton, who took part in the walk, said: “I have a neighbour who has terminal cancer and is getting help from Sobell House. I also knew people who sadly passed away from cancer who used the hospice. By doing the walk with a couple of my friends who have also lost people we wanted to give something back to say thank you."

She added: “I loved the walk as I’ve never been around the grounds of Blenheim and the event was very well organised.”

The hospice, which is part of the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust also provides care to patients and their families at home, at the Oxford hospitals, and in their purpose-built hospice on the Churchill Hospital site.

Cara Waller, the Winter Walk event organiser, said: “It was very special to see so many people step out to support Sobell House, and the money raised will help us to continue to provide the very best end of life care to the people of Oxfordshire.

“We’d like to thank those who gave their time to volunteer at the event and for Blenheim Palace allowing us to walk around their beautiful grounds - we simply couldn’t do it without them.”

Care delivered to its patients is free but the hospice benefits greatly from the support of individuals who contribute through Sobell House Hospice Charity.

Louise Harris, 37, from Carterton, said: “I really enjoyed the Winter Walk for Sobell house, it was a well organised event for a fantastic charity! Thank you to all involved, it was lovely walking around the grounds of Blenheim.”

Rebecca Vincent, 54, who travelled all the way from Portsmouth for the walk, said:“I took part to help Sobell House who looked after my mum for three weeks seven years ago and they also helped us to come to terms with saying goodbye to her.

“I love Blenheim Palace, as I did a few sponsored walks there while I was at school. I was pleased to see it so well attended and that they exceeded their planned target."

Blenheim Palace were happy to host the event that proved a success.

Julian Newman, events operation manager, said: “It is a privilege to host the walk around the parkland at Blenheim. Every year this walk is growing and to welcome over 500 walkers on Sunday was brilliant .”