Walkers who took part in an annual 31-mile trek in soaring temperatures have raised more than £30,000 for a city charity.

160 people registered for The Worcestershire Way Walk, organised by St Richard’s Hospice.

The walk – which took place in near tropical temperatures – saw participants setting out at dawn from Bewdley, finishing at the slopes of the Malvern Hills at dusk.

Alison Parkes, Fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “Huge congratulations to all those who completed the Worcestershire Way Walk earlier this month in what was probably the hottest one yet.

"The trek, with its many steep inclines and gruelling declines, is such a huge challenge and we are so grateful for all those who took on the 31 miles for the hospice.

“We have received feedback from the day that many people in the community showed extra kindness by refilling water bottles, offering treats to the walkers and even a hosepipe for a quick swill at the bottom of the Malvern Hills! 

"We are so lucky to have such generosity across Worcestershire."

She added: “We would also like to thank our sponsors of the event, Carisson Properties, as well as our team of volunteers who did such a fabulous job on the day."

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative and end of life 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 people 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.

They care for people with a range of illnesses including heart failure, Parkinson’s, and motor neurone disease as well as cancer.

St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it continue its work.

The hospice is currently behind the Worcester Stands Tall art trail which sees 30 giraffe sculptures towering over the city centre, with each one sponsored by a local business or organisation to help raise funds for St Richard's.

Supported by the Worcester News among others, the summer-long art trail will boost the Build 2020 appeal St Richard's is running to raise money to expand its hospice to care for more people.

Find out more at strichards.org.uk