Tireless teams of fundraisers paddled, plodded and pedalled their way through a tough 45-mile challenge to raise around £12,000 for hospice care.
A total of eight teams from Worcester, Evesham, Malvern and beyond gathered in Pershore to begin the St Richard’s Hospice Paddle Plod and Pedal event on Sunday 25 June.
Now in its seventh year, the day-long challenge began with teams paddling along the River Avon from Pershore to Tewkesbury in bell boats, before walking from Tewkesbury to Kempsey.
Teams then took to the saddle at Edwards Motors in Kempsey and pedalled the remainder of the route back to Pershore – where they were greeted by cheering friends and family.
Jayne Sargeant, Community Fundraiser at St Richard’s, said: “Well done to everyone who took on this tough challenge – there was great team spirit and you all did a fantastic job.
“We are delighted to have raised so much for St Richard’s, it will help to provide free hospice care for those living with life-limiting illnesses and supporting their families.
“Thank you to Andy Train at Fladbury Paddle Club, all the volunteers who helped on the day, local businesses and – of course – everyone who took part. We couldn’t have done it without you. Bring on next year!”
Each team was rewarded with well-earned medals and a pig roast provided by Checketts Ombersley hosted at Pershore Football Club.
Among those taking part was team Where’s the Finish? – or WTF – who completed the challenge for the fourth year running.
Also taking part were teams from Malvern business Britannia Bennetts, Harrison Clark Rickerbys, Danny’s Paddlers – a team from XS Fitness based in Worcester, the Hateful Eight – a team from Auto Suppliers Ltd based in Kidderminster, St Andrew’s Army, from St Andrews CE First School in Evesham, the Painkillers – a team made up of staff from the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, and the Dirty Weekenders.
Together, the teams have pledged to raise £12,000 – with more donations set to come in over the next couple of weeks.
St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their loved ones. Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,000 patients, family members and bereaved in Worcestershire.
The hospice strives to provide the best medical, practical, emotional and social support they can to help people live life to the fullest, as independently as they can, for as long as they can.
St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it continue its work.
Find out more at www.strichards.org.uk