Seven friends and colleagues from Swanage Therapy Centre in Dorset, are about to tackle a very hilly 25 kilometre walk to raise £2,000 for a defibrillator for their workplace and community.
Led by centre owner Vix Evans and practice manager Lucy Carter, acupuncturist Lizzie Broadhouse, physiotherapist Ceri Bosper, sports therapist Alison Milmer, chiropractor Alice Broome and neurological therapist Holly Sizer will tackle one of the most challenging walks in Purbeck.
Owner Vix Evans and practice manager Lucy Carter outside Swanage Therapy Centre in Court Road, where the defibrillator will be installed
Some of the steepest hills
Starting at Lulworth on Saturday 2nd May 2026, the seven hour hike will cover some of the steepest hills on the Jurassic Coast.
It will take the team across the ranges through Arish Mell Gap to Creech before heading for Corfe Castle, Ulwell and along Swanage sea front, ending at The Mowlem – and possibly a drink to recover at the Cellar Bar.
A target of £2,000 has been set for the purchase, installation and upkeep of the defibrillator, which is a lifesaving device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest.
The team is already more than halfway to their target through their Just Giving page and collections at work.
Vix Evans took over the Swanage Therapy Centre in 2017 and expanded what it offered, so it now provides a whole range of different services under one roof.
This currently includes an osteopath, pilates teacher, massage therapist, reflexologist, hypnotherapist, neuro physio, counsellor and much more.
Lucy Carter and Lizzie Broadhouse during their latest training walk along the Jurassic Coast
“A vital resource that can save lives”
Vix Evans said:
“We have thought for a while that we should get a defibrillator for our centre in Court Road which could also serve the community – the more places we can have them in Swanage the better, as we are a long way from a hospital.
“Now we are on a mission to raise money for the Swanage Community Defibrillator Partnership for a community defibrillator to be situated outside our premises, a vital resource that can save lives.
“Every minute counts in an emergency, and having immediate access to a defibrillator can make all the difference.
“This life saving device will be available for everyone in our community, so we are able to respond swiftly when it matters most.”
Getting in some hill climbing practise at Kimmeridge
“A nice way to bring us all together”
Vix added:
“We decided around Christmas time that we would do the walk, it’s a nice way to bring all of us together. Our dogs have had a lovely time training with us and we will probably carry on doing walks after this to keep fit.
“You do feel so much better after a walk, though I’m not sure that we will after 25 kilometres!
“We have done three big walks, adding an extra five kilometres on each time, so it won’t be too much of a shock to do the full 25k – and they have been in all weathers including hail, rain, wind and sun!
“When we do the walk we will take some photos along the way and see if we can add those to our social media pages – Lizzie is one of our personal trainers, so she can be out in front and take care of that for us!”
All smiles before setting off for training, Lucy Carter, Lizzie Broadhouse and Alice Broome
“There are some killer hills”
Practice manager Lucy Carter said:
“We are looking forward to the walk and we have got fitter in the process – a small walk now is about six miles, where that used to be a long walk!
“We have said that we might do another group walk for a charity next year, it is a great way of bonding. Our Christmas parties are very good bonding sessions, but this is a way of staying fit as well!
“If the walk is tougher than we are expecting – and there are some killer hills along the way – then we are fortunate enough to know some of the best physiotherapists, chiropractors and sports therapists!
“We hope that we can reach our target and help the Swanage Community Defibrillator Partnership provide essential equipment which will foster a sense of safety and security within our community. Together, we can make a significant impact and ensure that help is always within reach.”
The views are wonderful – but it can be hard on the legs!
Further information:
- Donations can be made at the Swanage Therapy Centre’s Just Giving site
- Discover all the centre’s available therapies
