COLLEAGUES from Dawlish Hospital have completed a 12 mile charity walk in aid of Teignmouth RNLI.

The team of staff has so far raised more than £1,300 by walking from Teignmouth lifeboat station to Torquay in memory of a colleague’s husband who died earlier this year.

Teignmouth RNLI crew member Andy Burry died from heart disease and his widow Charlotte was a well-loved physiotherapist for many years at the hospital.

One of the walkers, healthcare assistance Kevin Matthews, explained: ‘We all new Andy and were deeply saddened by his passing.

‘He was such an amazing chap and we wanted to do something for his memory and support Charlotte.’

He said: ‘We left in drizzling conditions and were given a rousing send off by the Teignmouth RNLI team.

‘The conditions were tough going along the coastal path, very challenging at times as it was muddy and there was some heavy rain at times along the steep gradients.

‘Andy like myself was an ardent Southampton FC fan and a few of us opted to wear Saints’ tops in his memory as we walked.

‘Even with the challenging conditions we all had lots of laughs and banter on the way.

‘All the nursing staff at Dawlish Community Hospital would like to express their sincere thanks to you and the Dawlish Gazette for the coverage you have given us enabling us to raise such an amazing amount.’

In August, hospital staff took part in the Race For Life and there is now a hospital running club.

The latest fund raiser was the idea of deputy ward matron Helen Thatcher.

Andy spent his working life with the Navy and since retirement, had many interests including volunteering for the RNLI where he was a rescue boat launcher.