Huntsham Court, (www.huntshamcourt.co.uk) the exquisite private hire Victorian mansion near Tiverton, is delighted to announce that it is the main sponsor of Jim’s Journey as part of the Huntsham Hotspots initiative to aid local charities and unregistered charitable causes in the South West.

Starting today in Minehead, Jim Bray, a former communications manager for the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, is walking 630-miles along the entire South Western Coast Path this summer, in order to raise vital funds for two local cancer charities; Over and Above and Force Cancer Charity.

Huntsham Court Co-Owner Damian Llambias commented: “Jim’s Journey is a remarkable endeavour. We are delighted to give a donation to both charities and also to provide Huntsham Court as a venue for Jim’s Journey to host an additional fundraising event in September, once his walk is complete. We will be announcing details of the event shortly on our website”

Main section for Jim’s Journey

Llambias continued “Huntsham Court has stood at the heart of this vibrant community for over a century and through Huntsham Hotspots, we want to ensure that the house and its grounds continue to play a role in the life of the area by supporting local causes such as Jim’s.”

Jim Bray said: “I’m really grateful to Huntsham Court for agreeing to join me as the main sponsor of Jim’s Journey.

“Huntsham Court is an amazing place, tucked away in the picturesque Mid Devon countryside near where I live, and I’ve enjoyed cycling to the grand entrance and back many a time in recent years.

“Not only are Chris and Damian making a direct financial contribution to FORCE and Over and Above to enhance services for cancer patients across Devon and beyond, they have also kindly agreed to offer me free use of the venue for a big closing event in September.

“I’m looking forward to working with Chris, Damian and the rest of the team over the coming weeks while I plot my way around the South West coastline.”

For more information about Huntsham Court’s Huntsham Hotspots programme or for local charities and causes wanting to apply, please visit www.huntshamcourt.co.uk/hotspots or call 01398 361 759.

Like the Jim’s Journey page on Facebook to track Jim’s progress and see a daily photo diary, or follow him on Twitter at @Jims_Journey.

To sponsor Jim, visit his Virgin Money Giving page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JimsJourney.

Companies interested in becoming a Jim’s Journey Business Buddy should call him on 07425 133606 or e-mail him at jims.journey@outlook.com.

Media contacts:

Jardine.howlett@whitetigerpr.com; 07866 508737

Kate.oreilly@whitetigerpr.com; 07790 023306

Cass.helstrip@whitetigerpr.com; 07968 255 464

More information

Built in 1869, Huntsham Court is a stunning baronial mansion, available for exclusive mid-week and weekend hire for events, weddings, parties, family get-togethers and corporate functions including gala dinners, award ceremonies and team building days.

The property is nestled in the Devon countryside, close to the town of Tiverton and Exmoor National Park and the Somerset border.

The house and its extensive grounds, which form part of the Huntsham Estate, offer a versatile space that can be tailored to suit guests’ individual needs. The property can accommodate up to 80 overnight guests (plus six under two year olds) in 34 bedroom suites, most of which are en-suite, and can seat up to 120 guests for banquets and functions.

The bedrooms are all of a similar standard providing ‘room equality’ throughout the house. Three bedrooms are located on the ground floor and are fully accessible to disabled people, 12 bedrooms are on the first floor, 11 on the second; there is one bedroom on the third floor. A further four bedrooms are located in the adjoining Garden Cottage.  The detached three bedroom Gatekeeper’s House is also available at an additional charge.

Huntsham Court is licensed to carry out civil ceremonies and a pretty church is located just minutes away on the driveway for those looking for a religious ceremony. Guests are encouraged to use their own suppliers and there are no corkage fees or hidden charges.

The property boasts excellent transport links and is easily accessible by road and by rail: Two hour express rail service from London Paddington to Tiverton Parkway; twelve minute drive from J27 of the M5; thirty minute drive from Exeter; forty minute drive from Bristol.

In particular to our main sponsor MARSDEN HOLIDAY COTTAGES, our zone sponsors Webbers Estate Agents, Boden Fire & Security, John Smale Estate Agents, Bray Leino Events.   A massive thank you to SIMON OLIVER of St Johns Garden Centre who thought up the event and who put up all the signs the night before with his lovely wife Nicola – they swept the route on the day too.

To the brilliant LIZ WILTON and Rob Cooper of Orchard Farm Shop – you were amazing – thank you for organising all the scrumptious food which was all kindly donated and manned by local delicious food and drink providers – they gave us such a fantastic menu – a refreshing bottle of Tarka Springs Water and a taste of Mrs Smudgers Kitchen flapjacks,  Stapleton Farm’s creamy yoghurt

Midfields luxury hand baked Granola www.midfieldsgranola.co.uk,  Croyde Stores offered a great filter coffee and delicious smoothies.  The Old Cream shop at Croyde offered delicious Langage Farm Icecream  www.langagefarm.com . www.facebook.com/theoldcreamshop

Billy Budds offered a local mini pork slider burger or mushroom burger with a refreshing mini local gin and tonic. www.billybudds.co.uk
The Drop Inn Cafe offered Peck & Strong brownie www.peckandstrong.co.uk and freshly brewed tea  www.parkingcroyde.com at Down End Beach.   A freshly baked mini scone supplied by East West Bakery www.eastandwestbakery.co.uk
with deliciously fruity Waterhouse homemade jam www.waterhousefayre.co.uk

Fresh bread supplied by Red Dog Artisan Bakery www.reddogbakery.co.uk and Delicious honey and honey fudge supplied by Quince Honey Farm www.quincehoneyfarm.co.uk

Plaistow Trout from Snapper on scrumptious crackers with refreshing fruity squashes from Rocks Organics   The Rock Inn made delicious soup from freshly cut spears of asparagus from Braunton Great Field supplied by local farmer David Hartnoll and a refreshing drink of Braunton Brewery ale www.therockinn.biz  The KINGS ARMS, GEORGEHAM offered Kings Arms Veggie Falafels and a taste of Mena Dhu, a new dark Cornish stout served at www.kingsarmsgeorgeham.co.uk

We had delicious meringues from West Counry Meringues www.westcountrymeringues.co.uk and mouth watering strawberries supplied by www.orchardsfarmshop and a refreshing organic soft Luscombe drink www.luscombe.co.uk  Finished off at the end with Boom Curry Pots from one of their 2014 Taste of the West Country winning curry kitsboomkitchen.co.uk 
Lots for delicious flavours from West Counry BURTS hand cooked potato chips www.facebook.com/BurtsChips and Braunton Brewery  served a fantastic ale. 

Don’t forget to visit www.orchardsfarmshop next to St Johns Garden Centre in Barnstaple where you can purchase the delicious produce.

A big thank you to Jo Cooper for letting us take over her field for the day and to all the 33 local landowners for allowing us to make the route possible. Thank you Medicare South West for your amazing first aid cover and last but certainly not least our volunteers – your smiles and enthusiasm shone and made the day a fantastic success.  And to all the participants who took part – thank you.

We had an amazing day because of you all, and we expect to raise in excess of £15,000 for the Special Care Baby Unit Appeal – THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN

Jim’s Journey page – https://overandabove.org.uk/jimsjourney/

A FORMER communications manager for the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust is preparing to walk 630 miles along the entire South West Coast Path this summer to raise money for two local charities that support cancer patients and their families.

Jim Bray left his job with the Trust last month to take up an eight-week challenge entitled Jim’s Journey.

The 36-year-old will be raising money for the Seamoor Unit, the new £2.5million chemotherapy and day treatment centre at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple, and Exeter-based charity FORCE.

Jim will set off from Minehead in Somerset this Friday (10 June) and is due to climb more than 115,000 feet (nearly four times the height of Mount Everest), cross 288 bridges, catch 13 ferries, pass around 3,500 coast path signs and go up or down over 30,000 steps before reaching the finish at Poole Harbour in Dorset on Thursday 4 August.

He will be charting his journey with a daily photo diary on Facebook.

“I didn’t used to like walking or appreciate the benefits of it but after a spell of ill health towards the end of last year I was encouraged to walk more to help me get better,” said Jim, who lives in Sampford Peverell, near Tiverton.

“This year I’ve done a brisk walk for half an hour every day as well as a longer trek in Devon or Somerset once or twice a week, and I now feel fitter, healthier and stronger.

“I’ve enjoyed exploring nature, including coasts, moors and rivers, and like to take photos as I go, partly to try to inspire other people to get out and see the amazing scenery on our doorstep.

“I’ve experienced some of the Coast Path walks around Hartland, Heddon’s Mouth, Lynmouth and Porlock on the north coast and Noss Mayo, Salcombe, Ladram Bay and Branscombe on the south coast, and each one has a magic and intrigue that helps to cleanse the soul.

“I’m looking forward to exploring more dramatic cliffs and rock formations, secret coves, picturesque harbours and tranquil estuaries, knowing that every step I take will help to raise money for two excellent local charities and support patients and families affected by cancer.”

Jim joined the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust in 2012 and helped to promote the Chemotherapy Appeal – the fundraising campaign that enabled the Seamoor Unit to be built – as well as the official opening of the centre by HRH The Earl of Wessex last September.

He said: “I saw at first hand how fundraising can make such a phenomenal difference to the lives of patients receiving cancer treatment, and I was keen to do my bit as part of a big personal challenge.”

The Seamoor Unit Fund is a leading appeal run by Over and Above, the Trust’s charity.

Ian Roome, fundraising manager for Over and Above, said: “Jim’s Journey will be an incredible experience and our fundraising team and volunteers are looking forward to joining him on parts of the route.

“His fundraising will help to buy specialist medical equipment and bring in more support services such as aromatherapy treatments to enhance patient care in the Seamoor Unit.”

FORCE provides physical, emotional, psychological and practical assistance to patients and their families from its Support and Information Centre in the grounds of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

The charity supports patients from across Devon, with some travelling from Somerset, Dorset and Cornwall to access its services.

It also funds local research and buys specialist equipment to improve diagnosis and treatment.

FORCE is the 2016 Captain’s Charity at Tiverton Golf Club, where Jim has been a member since he was nine years old.

Naomi Cole, community fundraiser for FORCE, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Jim for choosing FORCE as one of the charities to benefit from his fundraising this summer, and would like to wish him all the very best as he takes on the beautiful but challenging South West Coast Path walk.

“FORCE has spent the last 29 years working to help local cancer patients and their families.

“During 2016 we need to raise funds to meet commitments of £1.2million and as all of our work continues to rely entirely on voluntary donations, the support of fundraisers like Jim really is vital.

“We’re looking forward to hearing about Jim’s progress and no doubt admiring photos of some of the stunning coastline along the way.”

Jim is a member of the South West Coast Path Association, a charity that promotes the Path and raises funds to pay for vital improvements and repairs.

Esther Pearson, director of the Association, said: “Walking the Coast Path is regarded by many as a walk of a lifetime and I’m sure this will be the case for Jim’s Journey.

“The most popular stories our members enjoy reading in our newsletters are the inspirational accounts from those who have completed all 630 miles and the ups and downs it entails.

“It’s not for the faint-hearted, that’s for sure, but it’s a challenge that reaps rewards with memories that will stay with him for many years to come.”

Jim’s 56-day expedition will include 52 days of walking, at an average of over 12 miles a day, and four rest days.

The former Blundell’s School student will be staying in B&Bs, inns and hotels and is funding the trip himself, enabling all money raised to be split 50-50 between the two charities.

To sponsor Jim, visit his Virgin Money Giving page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JimsJourney.

Individuals, businesses or groups who are interested in joining Jim for a section of his journey, organising their own walking challenge, offering commercial sponsorship or donating a prize for fundraising activities throughout the summer are asked to call him on 07425 133606 or e-mail him at jims.journey@outlook.com.

People can follow his progress and see his daily photo diary by liking the Jim’s Journey page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Jims-Journey-1102417966497648, or catch regular updates on Twitter via @Jims_Journey.

To see photos of the walks Jim has already completed this year, visit the Discovering Devon, Somerset and beyond page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/discoveringdevonsomersetandbeyond.

More information

Business Partners

Jim would like to thank the following businesses for kindly agreeing to sponsor Jim’s Journey.

As a Business Buddy, they are all making a direct financial contribution to FORCE and Over and Above to help enhance services for local cancer patients and their families.

If you’re interested in becoming a Business Buddy, please call Jim on 07425 133606 or e-mail him at jims.journey@outlook.com.

Business Buddies

James Pryce Tractors (Tiverton); Travis Perkins (Tiverton); Gregory Distribution Ltd (Cullompton); Frobishers Juices (Exeter); Cult Pens (Tiverton)

Accommodation Partners

Jim would like to thank the following hotels, inns and B&B providers for kindly agreeing to sponsor Jim’s Journey by offering him either free or discounted accommodation.

Gold Sponsors

Lynton (Day 2) – Rockvale; Combe Martin (Day 3) – Mellstock House; Woolacombe (Day 4) – The Rocks Hotel; Braunton (Day 5) – Burrows B&B; Clovelly (Day 8) – Southdown Cottage; Clovelly (Day 9) – The Old Police House; Bude (Days 10 and 11) – The Beach at Bude; Tintagel (Day 13) – The Port William Inn; Port Isaac (Day 14) – Lane End Farm; Padstow (Day 15) – Armsyde B&B; Portreath (Day 19) – The Portreath Arms; St Ives (Day 20) – The Garrack Hotel; St Ives (Day 21) – Boskerris Hotel; St Ives (Day 22) – Regent Hotel; Pendeen (Day 23) – The Old Chapel; Marazion (Day 26) – The Trevelyan Arms; The Lizard (Day 28) – Enoch Vean; Coverack (Day 29) – Boak House; Helford Passage (Day 30) – Budock Vean Hotel; Falmouth (Day 31) – The Royal Duchy Hotel; Portloe (Day 32) – Carradale; Mevagissey (Day 33) – Stone’s Throw Cottage; Par (Day 34) – The Par Inn; Polperro (Days 35 and 36) – The Cottles B&B and Holiday Apartments; Portwrinkle (Day 37) – The Bungalow; Salcombe (Day 41) – Victoria Inn; Stokenham (Day 42) – Stokenham House; Babbacombe (Day 45) – Babbacombe Bay Hotel; Sidmouth (Day 48) – The Mount Pleasant Hotel; Seaton (Day 49) – Mariners; Chideock (Day 50) – Broadlands; Abbotsbury (Day 51) – Peach’s; Weymouth (Days 52 and 53) – B+B Weymouth; West Lulworth (Day 54) – Burngate Farm; Langton Matravers (Day 55) – Langton Manor Farmhouse

Silver Sponsors

Westward Ho! (Day 7) – Culloden House; Perranporth (Day 18) – Atlantic View Hotel

Accommodation Partners

St Merryn (Day 16) – Farmers Arms; Noss Mayo (Day 39) – Worswell Barton

FORCE

• For more information about FORCE, visit forcecancercharity.co.uk
• Visit the Jim’s Journey page at forcecancercharity.co.uk/event/jims-journey

Over and Above

• For more information about Over and Above and the Seamoor Unit Fund, visit overandabove.org.uk
• Visit the Jim’s Journey page at overandabove.org.uk/jimsjourney

South West Coast Path

• The South West Coast Path passes through five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), 17 heritage coasts, a National Park (Exmoor), two World Heritage Sites (the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape and the Jurassic Coast in East Devon and Dorset), a UNESCO Geopark in Torbay and Britain’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in North Devon
• It is the only walk in the UK to feature in Lonely Planet’s Book of Great Adventures, alongside 11 hikes spread across the globe
• It has been listed as the UK’s best walking route by the likes of Walk magazine, Coast magazine and Country Walking

South West Coast Path Association

• It costs just £20 a year for a single or £25 for a joint membership of the South West Coast Path Association. Among other things, members receive an annual guide book, a spring and autumn newsletter, e-newsletters and discounts and special offers in the South West Coast Path shop and at selected retail outlets. Memberships are also available for small, medium and large businesses. For more information, visit southwestcoastpath.org.uk.

Jim Bray

• Jim attended the former Caroline Brewin First School in Tiverton and Ravenswood Prep School in Stoodleigh before taking GCSEs and A-levels at Blundell’s School in Tiverton. Keen on a career as a sports journalist, he became a production trainee at BBC Radio Devon in 1999 before joining his local newspaper, the Mid Devon Gazette series, in 2000. Jim worked at the Gazette as a news and sport reporter, sub-editor and sports editor until 2006. After a temporary spell at the Wellington Weekly News and Taunton Times, he worked as a sub-editor for Newsquest South West from 2007 to 2009, designing pages for the Somerset County Gazette, Taunton Star, Bridgwater Mercury, Bridgwater Star, Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News, Chard and Ilminster News, Yeovil Express and Mid Devon Star. Jim has also worked as a commercial manager for Tiverton Town Football Club, a cover supervisor at Tiverton High School, an information officer for the Blackdown Hills AONB Partnership and a tournament administrator for the Professional Golfers’ Association. He is a five-time club champion at Tiverton Golf Club, where he has represented the first team for many years and served as junior captain, press officer and social committee chairman.