TEARS and cheers greeted a group of 15 dads who were walking in memory of their children at the It's Childsplay event in Taunton on Sunday.

They were among the thousands of walkers taking part in the event, organised by Taunton Vale Rotary Club, which raised funds for the Children's Hospice South-West.

It's Childsplay, now in its second year, saw fundraisers make their way to Vivary Park from any start point, arriving between midday and 5pm.

There were also finish points locally in Wellington and Wiveliscombe with a further seven events taking place across the region.

The group of fathers, who have lost children to illness, walked a 53-mile route from the hospice at Little Bridge House, near Barnstaple, over three days.

Among them was Stu O'Donnell, of Creech St Michael who said: “This was our way of giving something back. The hospice gave us support during our darkest hours of our children's illnesses and is still supporting us now.”

The weather was sunny and attractions in Vivary Park included a performance by Taunton Concert Band, the stocks a hog roast and cream teas.

One of the organisers, Richard Goring, said: “The event in Taunton was a complete success and a huge step forward compared with last year. We had over 1,000 people pass through during the afternoon and raised more than £10,000.

“Throughout the other nine events there were another 1,000 people participating and collectively they raised at least another £10,000.

“This success is a great foundation for next year and we are hoping to build on this for years to come.”

You can donate to the events or sponsor the dads via the Related Link on this page.

You can also click on the Related Links on this page for a photo gallery from the day and click for a video news report.

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