WITH the Christmas decorations down and the January detox under way, it’s time to cheer yourself up by looking at the fun stuff 2019 has in store – and it’s an important year locally, with hospice care charity Phyllis Tuckwell celebrating its 40th anniversary.

So get your diary ready and pencil in your favourites from the range of activities and events planned. There’s something for everyone – so whether you fancy a fun run, are up for an abseil, or just want to kick back and listen to some music, you’ll find it with Phyllis.

Take to the skies

For the daring out there, Phyllis Tuckwell’s new wing walk should give you the adrenaline hit you’re after. Take your position atop the wings of a biplane and get ready for speeds of up to 130mph, thrilling fly-pasts and steep dives that you’ll never forget. This unmissable opportunity will take place on June 15 at Headcorn Aerodrome in Kent – register now to secure your place.

Or if you don’t want to be strapped to a plane, how about jumping out of one? Make your skydive on Saturday, March 23, Wednesday, June 12 or Wednesday, September 18, at the UK’s largest skydiving drop zone, in Netheravon, Salisbury, where the Army Parachute Association will provide you with in-depth training before attaching you to one of their experienced tandem instructors for the jump.

If that’s a bit too high, you could try the Spinnaker Tower abseil, on Saturday, May 18, and enjoy magnificent views of Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent before beginning a 100 metre abseil down the iconic building, back to solid ground.

Lace up your walking boots

If you’d prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, how about trekking Mont Blanc? Take on part of the Tour du Mont Blanc through Switzerland, Italy and France from September 12-16 and enjoy the beautiful valleys, vast pine forests, lush meadows, blue lakes, rocky peaks and breath-taking glaciers of the region.

For a shorter walk, how about a stroll through Farnham Park with your four-legged friend? Meet other dogs and their walkers for Phyllis Tuckwell’s new Wellies and Walkies fundraiser on Sunday, March 10.

Supporters can also join the hospice’s annual Walk for the Wards event around Frensham later this summer.

Get fit with Phyllis

For a fun run with a twist, try the Dash of Colour. This 5k race will be held at Frimley Lodge Park on Saturday, August 31, and will see runners showered with colourful powder paint as you run, jog or walk the course.

If you need to get into training beforehand, why not sign up to February’s Marathon Miles. Walk a mile a day over the month and feel your physical, social and emotional wellbeing improve – a great follow-on from your January detox, and a brilliant way to raise money for Phyllis Tuckwell.

Put some pedal to the metal

Or for those who like life on two wheels, Phyllis Tuckwell is proud to have been chosen as a partner charity for the Little Lumpy bike ride on Sunday, May 19, which takes cyclists through the prettiest parts of the Sussex and Hampshire Weald. Choose from a 40, 60 or 100 mile route and expect some testing hill climbs.

Or may be you’d rather take on the Prudential Ride London, on Sunday, August 4, in aid of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice?

Music lovers rejoice

Music-lovers will be pleased to hear that Samfest will return this year on Saturday, June 22. Showcasing some of the best local bands, including Chilli Fighters and Ska Dogs, this year’s Samfest will also be headlined by top tribute acts Maybe Oasis and Magic Queen!

Hot on its heels will be Music in the Park on July 13 and 14, which this year will feature acts to take you through the decades, to be announced in late February.

Finally, why not fill your own garden with a variety of plants from Phyllis Tuckwell’s plant sales, held at the hospice in Waverley Lane on the first Sunday of every month, from April to October.

Whichever you choose, every penny you raise will go towards helping Phyllis Tuckwell care for patients and families who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, such as cancer.

Every day it supports over 250 patients, relatives and carers – in their own homes, in the community, at the hospice in Farnham and at the Beacon Centre in Guildford. But, as the National Health Service (NHS)/Government only covers 20 per cent of its costs, it has to raise more than £20,000 a day to be able to offer all of these services, which it gives free of charge to its patients and their families. For more information visit

pth.org.uk/event-diary.