Widow of Michael Cox to embark on 188-mile charity walk

Lynne Cox, the widow of Michael Cox, a stalwart of the UK drinks trade who died five years ago, is embarking on a 188-mile walk, from Cumbria to North Yorkshire, to raise funds in his memory.

Michael Cox with his wife, Lynne

Michael Cox died on 20 February 2014, having been treated for a rare form of cancer.

He was a much-loved and prominent figure in the UK wine trade, known for being part of the Clark family that founded UK wholesaler Matthew Clark and with a grandfather who was involved in the founding of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association and the Institute of Masters of Wine.

It was however as the head of Wines of Chile (when his brother was simultaneously head of New Zealand Winegrowers UK) that he is perhaps best known and latterly as Master of the Vintners Company one of the oldest Livery companies in London – a position he saw through to the end despite his illness.

In 2013, Michael’s peers voted to award him the drinks business’ Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented by his twin brother David.

His commitment to Chilean wine in the UK also earned him the rare honour of being made a Comendador de la Orden al Merito de Chile – a Commander of the Order of Merit of Chile – which was presented to him in the presence of the President of Chile, Sebastian Piñera in 2010.

Five years on from his death, Michael’s wife Lynne is planning a solo long distance walk in his memory, to raise funds for the Winchester Hospice Appeal.

“There is currently no hospice in Winchester, and when Michael was ill we had to travel all the way to Basingstoke to access palliative care,” she said.

“Hospices can make a huge difference to patients and their families at a difficult time and the Winchester Hospice Appeal aims to raise £3 million to convert Burrell House, in the grounds of Winchester Hospital, into a 10 bedroom hospice.

Lynne will be setting off on 10 April to complete the 188 mile Coast to Coast walk from St.Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire.

“I will be walking alone, carrying my own pack, and staying at B&B’s and pubs along the route. I aim to complete the walk in 13 days.”

If you would like to make a donation to Lynne’s Just Giving page, in Michael’s memory, you can do so here.