Organisers of a hugely popular local charitable walk across the Malvern Hills have vowed the show will go on this summer.
The St Richard’s Hospice Malvern Hills Walk will take place virtually, meaning supporters can take part in a socially distanced five or 11-mile charitable walk at any time during July or August.
The walk, which has been running every year since St Richard’s was launched in 1984, raised more than £16,000 for the Worcester-based hospice last year and is an important event in the charity’s fundraising calendar.
Jayne Sargeant, hospice fundraiser, said: “Our Malvern Hills walk is very much part of who we are at St Richard’s, and has raised a significant amount towards the free care we provide to people across Worcestershire, so we were disappointed to think we might not be able to host the event in its 36th year. Then we realised, our supporters could still enjoy a wonderful walk on the Malverns for our care – just not all at once!”
“In the new format, walkers can choose their route, a date and time to take part to suit them, and we’ll provide directions and even a wooden eco medal on completion. What we do ask is that people gain as much as they can in sponsorship to ensure we can continue to be there for patients and their loved ones when they need us most. With many of our fundraising events cancelled and our charity shops only just beginning to open, the coronavirus pandemic has taken its toll on charities like us.”
The five-mile walk is a 2.5-mile return route, starting and finishing at Black Hills car park. The 11-mile walk will see participants trek the length of the Malvern Hills. Starting at Chase End and finishing at North Quarry car park.
The hospice is asking participants to raise £50 or more. All those who hit this fundraising target will receive a pair of Bamboo Clothing walking socks, subject to availability.
The Malvern Hills Walk is kindly sponsored by Speller Metcalfe and is supported by the Malvern Hills Trust and Bamboo Clothing.
To sign-up for the walk visit: https://www.strichards.org.uk/event/malvern-hills-walk/
St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones.
Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,400 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
St Richard’s is an independent charity and relies on donations and gifts in Wills for the majority of its income with 22% funded by the NHS.
For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit www.strichards.org.uk
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