Intrepid teams of Worcestershire workers and friends pulled out all the stops and raised thousands of pounds towards hospice care in the St Richard’s Paddle, Plod and Pedal Challenge.
All the sponsorship money has now been donated by the teams who took on the endurance challenge in July. The test included paddling from Pershore to Tewkesbury, walking to Kempsey and pedalling back to Pershore.
Among those taking part were a team from Jaga Heating in Ledbury who raised £4,800 and QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright who raised £2,203. The In it to Win It team, a group of Worcestershire friends, raised £2,442 and Where’s the Finish? topped £2,719.
Jodi Brandwood from St Richard’s Hospice said, “The Paddle, Plod and Pedal is no easy feat at the best of times and this year, for the majority of the day, the weather decided to go against us! For a few participants, this was the first time they had ever taken part in anything like this and to finish with beaming smiles in the very welcome sunshine was fantastic to see! The team spirit that shone through on an otherwise grey day was amazing. All four teams taking part this year have done an incredible job with their fundraising and we are extremely proud of them.”
The date has been sent for next year on Saturday, 18th July.
The team from Jaga Heating Products in Ledbury had been inspired to take on the challenge in memory of Paul Kingswell, who worked at the company as Commercial Manager for three years before he died at St Richard’s Hospice in February 2013.
Joyce Skelton, HR Manager from Jaga explained, “We wanted to support the hospice to recognise the compassionate care that Paul received at the end of his life. Despite the apocalyptic weather, the team had a great time competing in this challenge. It was stretching but we felt that we all pulled together and were raising money for a very worthwhile cause. “
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 2,550 patients and family members in Worcestershire.
Patients are cared for in Day Hospice, the 16-bed In-patient Unit or in their own homes by a specialist professional team as well as many trained volunteers.
In the In-patient Unit specialist staff are on hand 24 hours a day to manage patients’ symptoms and where, if appropriate, patients may spend the last few days of life in comfort and dignity. St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help them to continue their work.