A KEEN supporter of St Richard’s Hospice has walked the length of the Birmingham to Worcester canal in memory of his late wife, who was cared for by the charity before her death.

Bill Richardson, aged 65 from St Peter’s, Worcester, said: "My late wife Brenda was cared for so well in St Richard’s in-patient unit. The nurses and doctors were wonderful and always made sure that Brenda was comfortable and that other family members were ok.”

He added, “I am pleased to be able to help the hospice continue with their wonderful caring work, and would encourage anyone considering this year’s Waterways Walk to take the plunge – it really is a spectacular walk and a great feeling of achievement.”

Mr Richardson was joined on the 30-mile sponsored walking challenge with his brother-in-law, Mike Kavanagh, from Middlesbrough, and they managed to raise £2000 for a cause very dear to their hearts.

The total includes a £750 donation from Mr Richardson's former employer, Barclays Bank.

Sr Richard's Hospice, in Wildwood Rive, Worcester, looked after Mrs Richardson before her death, in 2012.

Mr Richardson is a fund manager for the Severn Waste Environmental Fund, and he began supporting St Richard’s many years ago, long before his wife was diagnosed with cancer.

Among many fundraising challenges he has taken part in over the years, Bill has completed the 31 mile Worcestershire Way Walk and the 21 mile circular Waterways Walk.

Mr Richardson said: "We thoroughly enjoyed the recent canal hike and were lucky enough to have very good weather. A walk along this canal passes through interesting scenery, including both town and countryside, which kept us going although the last ten miles seemed a lot longer and really tested our resolve."

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,400 patients and family members in Worcestershire.

Patients are cared for in Day Hospice, the 17-bed In-patient Unit or in their own homes by a specialist professional team as well as many trained volunteers.