The Great Walk from, Gold River to Tahsis has significant meaning for those who face the daunting challenge of walking 63.5 kilometres in one day.

And for the Campbell River Hospice Society volunteers it also means they are carrying the memory of a loved one with them on the journey.

"It's a personal challenge for individual hospice members," said Anna Peck. "It's the highest personal thing I've ever done in my life and it's a giving thing."

The hospice volunteers raised about $7,000 last year just by collecting pledges from family and friends. Peck said they were able to raise a lot of money that way because those people didn't think they would finish the walk.

"It takes the fun out of now that they know you've done it," said Carole Raines, who, along with Peck, will be participating for the second time this year.

So the hospice volunteers are branching out and asking organisations and companies to sponsor them as well. The walker will wear the name of the deceased person who was an employee or member of a group on their t-shirts. Last year the walkers wore purple shirts in memory of Hospice Society board member Sally Wellman.

There will be more than 12 hospice volunteers and their family members participating in the 2000 Great Walk on June 3. They hope to raise about $10,000. For more information phone 286-1121.

The society used money from last year's walk to purchase a plaque for the Memorial Garden at Rotary Beach Park and a lounge chair for the palliative care room at the Campbell River Hospital. They were also able to do more advertising of the different programs and services they offer to the public including one-on-one bereavement support to those who have lost a loved one, respite work (e.g. shopping) for people caring for a dying family member, hospital visits and support groups.

The society also used the money to do more training and to expand its library. There are now more than 50 volunteers.

"We developed some really close friendships from the walk," said Raines.

Penney Hagel, who is participating this year for the fourth time, said crossing the finish line is a very emotional experience and that's why many people return to do the event again.

"And to beat your time," said Raines.

The participants' ages vary, as do their walk times. All the hospice volunteers finished the walk somewhere between eight and fourteen hours last year.

Peck said that there are times during the walk that can be quite humorous with people telling stories and jokes along the way.

She said there is energy among all the walkers, so much so that she didn't even notice the first four hours had passed by. Hagel said there are no strangers by the time the walk is finished.

The hospice volunteers sometimes train together, walking up General Hill, through the Beaver Lodge Lands or along the Seawalk. This weekend some of them will participate in the Merville 15 km. walk.