“Inspiring” and “energetic” Bucks residents helped to raise around £2 million for hospice patients in 2017.

People walked, ran, swam, cycled and danced their way in a myriad of fundraising feats to raise the incredible amount for Rennie Grove Hospice Care, which cares for patients with life-limiting illnesses.

The various fundraising challenges saw people scale the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales in just 24 hours in the charity’s 3-Peaks Challenge, while others took on the gruelling Chilterns Cycle Challenge, the Chilterns 3-Peaks Challenge, Colour Blast: The Scramble, Jingle Bell Jog and reindeer runs, as well as the Moonlight Walk and the London Marathon – all in aid of hospice patients.

Gillian Barnett, director of marketing and fundraising, said: “The participants turned out in style and did Rennie Grove proud, proving once again what tough stuff its fundraisers are made of - both physically and emotionally – as so many take part in memory of loved ones whose names are tenderly added to running vests and T-shirts.”

In another feat, the charity’s 1,500 volunteers were given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which was presented in recognition of their “outstanding” work.

The Queen’s award is highly regarded and known as the MBE for volunteer groups.

Rennie Grove also picked up the Innovation in Income Generation prize, and the Innovation in Care award, at the national Hospice UK Awards 2017.

Families remembered lost loved ones at the charity’s Light Up a Life ceremony in November and December, while a number of balls and galas across the year helped to raise even more money for the charity.

Ms Barnett added: “Thank you to each and every one of our supporters and fundraisers whose efforts have made such an important contribution to the work of Rennie Grove this year.

“We hope that they have created lasting memories with family and friends while raising much needed funds to continue providing support and nursing care to thousands of local patients with life-limiting illness and giving them a choice about how and where they receive care towards the end of life.”