An army of splendid superheroes assembled in glorious sunshine to take on a 5k challenge and raise thousands for St Richard’s Hospice.
More than 600 Wonder Women, Supermen, Incredible Hulks, Spidermen, Batmen – and women – ran the St Richard’s Superhero Challenge at the sun-drenched University of Worcester Lakeside Campus, in Holt, on Saturday 17 June.
Runners from across Worcestershire – and beyond – scaled inflatable obstacles, scrambled through flurries of foam and dropped down slides before triumphantly crossing the finish line to collect their well-deserved medals.
So far, around £25,000 has been raised to support vital hospice care provided to patients living with life-limiting illnesses and their families – with that figure expected to rise.
Many of the participants ran in memory of a loved one cared for by St Richard’s, while dozens of touching tributes to friends and relatives were left on a ‘Superhero Gallery’ board during the day.
Steph Bowley, from Worcester, took on the challenge for her mum, Jenny-Anne, who was a patient at the hospice earlier this year.
“I’m doing it because they were just fantastic,” said the 30-year-old who ran the course with her dad and sister.
“My mum not only felt like a patient but she felt like a friend to people from the cleaners to the doctors.
“The support they have given us is non-stop, nothing is ever an issue for them. The volunteers were amazing. The volunteers made a massive difference to mum every day.”
Also running the race was a 13-strong team called the PJ Girls, from Droitwich, who ran in memory of a much-loved friend.
Team member Alison Battin said: “Every single one of us has got members of family or friends who have already had – or is going to need – hospice care.”
Rachel Jones, Fundraising Manager at St Richard’s, said: “Thank you to everyone who came along and took part in our challenge – every single one of you is a superhero in our eyes.
“It was a brilliant day filled with sunshine, fun, laughter and some fantastic costumes.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have raised so much money for St Richard’s vital care to patients living with life limiting illnesses and their loved ones.
“A big thank you once again to our superheroes and to everyone who helped make the event a success.”
The event was generously sponsored by the A44 Tyre Shop.