Wet weather did not dampen the spirits of more than 500 walkers who stepped out across the Malvern Hills in aid of St Richard’s Hospice.
Groups of friends, colleagues, school children and families pulled on their walking boots for the annual St Richard’s Malvern Hills Walk on Saturday, May 20.
Among the intrepid walkers was the new chair of Malvern Hills District Council, Councillor Chris O’Donnell, who celebrated 20 years of taking part in the event.
Councillor O’Donnell completed the five mile walk with her husband Tony, daughter Tonya O’Donnell and five-year-old granddaughter Seren-Grace O’Donnell.
She said: “We had a lovely time completing the Malvern walk for St Richard’s Hospice. The marshals around the walk were great and guided everyone along the route.
“This year the weather wasn’t as kind to us but we all managed to complete the walk across the hills. The views out to Bredon Hill on one side and over to Colwall on the other side were outstanding and you could see for miles.
“Our group’s youngest walker, Seren-Grace, was wonderful and happy, chatting as she walked.”
Councillor O’Donnell is supporting St Richard’s as one of her chosen charities during her year in office.
Joining the many supporters walking in memory of a loved one, were David Craig, Betsy Brua, Pete Mathers and Louise Russell-Pavier. The group completed the five-mile route for Catriona Craig, who was cared for by St Richard’s in 2015.
In 2016 the walk raised a staggering £23,000 for the hospice, and it is hoped a similar amount will be raised this year.
Jayne Sargeant, Community Fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “We were delighted to see so many people out enjoying the Malvern Hills Walk last weekend.
“We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part and raised money for St Richard’s.
“This event is so important to help us continue to raise the vital funds to support St Richard’s hospice care.”
Walkers could choose from either a two, five or 11-mile route over the beautiful Malvern Hills.
The walk is one of the hospice’s most popular events and has been going since the charity was launched in 1984.
The event was kindly sponsored by Bloor Homes.