AN ANNUAL 31-mile trek, which started in Bewdley, in aid of St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester has raised more than £16,000 from the 82 people who took part.

The Worcestershire Way Walk, a trek which starts in Bewdley and takes in the Worcestershire countryside before finishing on the slopes of the Malvern Hills, took place on June 20.

Simon Burkes, 43, participated in the walk for the second year and used the event to raise money for the hospice after his mother, Chris, 63, of Kidderminster, was cared for in the hospice three years ago.

“My family and I were blown away by the care and support provided to my mom and also to my family, by everyone at the hospice,” he said.

“From the moment she entered the building it was clear St Richard’s was special.”

Mr Burke and his Kidderminster team raised about £1,000 by completing the challenging walk, which he said was enjoyable but more difficult than the last time he completed it.

“The walk went very well and our team completed it in 12 hours, including food stops,” he said.

“It was a good but hard day. We had lovely weather with fantastic views.”

Another team to take part in the walk to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice was Team Zulu, a group of friends who participate in the walk every year, led by Tarquin Shaw-Young.

The team crossed the finishing line in soaring temperatures and were able to raise more than £2,000.

Mr Shaw-Young said: “We all survived fit and well and we also managing to sing and record 500 miles by The Proclaimers at the halfway point as a challenge from a sponsor to double their pledge.

“We want to say a big thank you to all our very generous supporters who sponsor us each year.”

St Richard’s Hospice cares for patients and families in Worcestershire who are living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.