Christchurch resident, Eric McNeil, is taking on more than 700km of ultra-endurance challenges for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, Dorset’s independent hospice charity.
Eric is completing eight demanding events across 2026 to raise vital funds for Lewis-Manning, which provides free care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across Dorset. Eric is halfway through his mission, having already completed four of the eight events, including the Bath 50km, Isle of Wight 106km, Jurassic Coast 100km and London to Brighton 100km. Eric has committed to the fundraising challenge to mark his 60th birthday, raising £1,200 so far.
Eric said: “The challenges are going well despite May being a bit of a test, as I took on three events during that month alone. There were heavy downpours on the Isle of Wight, a mix of sunshine and showers on the hilly Jurassic Coast with a nice headwind, and then the heatwave while I was making my way from London to Brighton.”
Eric began his training in November, with a minimum of 8km of walking each day and regular back-to-back weekend training walks of up to 40km on Saturdays and 35-40km on Sundays. He has also been training at St Catherine’s Hill in Christchurch, completing repeated loops of the 5.5-mile route to build the distance and endurance needed for the challenges.
Eric said, “I chose Lewis-Manning because it is a local charity and I can see the direct impact it has on those around me in the community. My wife, Mel, is Assistant Manager at the Highcliffe shop and always so positive about the charity and its amazing work. I’ve completed 357km so far, with at least another 350km to go, so we’re not done by any means. I’m excited about The Cotswold and Gower Peninsula challenges; before I finish with the Seven Sisters over the South Downs.”
Funds raised by Eric support Lewis-Manning Hospice Care in providing care at home, virtually, and through local hubs across Dorset, helping people with life-limiting illnesses to live well and access the support that matters to them.
The charity’s care is free of charge to patients, but only 12% of its funding comes from the NHS, meaning donations and fundraisers like Eric play a vital role in supporting local people and their families.
Anna DuRose, Community Fundraising Manager at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, said: “Eric’s challenge is absolutely incredible, and we are so grateful for his support. To take on one ultra challenge is a huge achievement, but to commit to eight across the year, ahead of his 60th birthday, is truly inspiring. Eric has shown such determination and positivity, and we are very proud to have him fundraising for Lewis-Manning. Every pound raised helps us continue providing free, person-centred care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families here in Dorset.”
Eric’s remaining challenges are:
- Cotswold 100km: 13-14 June 2026
- Gower Peninsula 100km: 18-19 July 2026
- South West Coast 50km: 25 July 2026
- South Coast 100km: 5-6 September 2026
To support Eric’s fundraising challenge, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/eric-mcneil-1
