AN antiques expert has gathered a team to put their best feet forward in a long-distance charity challenge.

Auctioneer Philip Serrell has cajoled 19 friends and colleagues to join Team Serrell ‘Fat Boys and Pretty Girls’ and run the Worcester Half Marathon in aid of St Richard’s Hospice on Sunday, May 4.

The hospice patron, who has an auction house in Barnards Green Road, Malvern, will be joined by the likes of television celebrities Thomas Plant, Jonathan Pratt and Will Farmer as well as former professional rugby players Steve Lloyd and Neil Lyman.

The team also boasts ex-England cricketer and Guardian cricket correspondent Mike Selvey, colleagues from Philip Serrell Auctioneers, Mr Serrell's daughter Clementine and the hospice's chairman of governors John Bawden.

Mr Serrell said: “As a local charity I have always been keen to support the hospice, which relies mainly on voluntary income, and last year I was extremely flattered to be asked to become a patron of this great charity.

"The work they do is vital in ensuring that those with life-threatening illnesses and their families receive excellent care and support.

"Having recently lost both my parents I can appreciate how much this means to the families of the patients. With the help of sympathetic colleagues and friends we are hoping to raise as much money as possible to support this fantastic charity.”

Jodi Brandwood, community fund-raiser at the hospice, said: “It’s great to have Philip and the team on board, helping raise money for the hospice and raising the profile of our work.

"They have really taken to the idea of the half marathon and will be helping each other through to succeed. We are expecting lots of laughs and quite a bit of competition in the team.”

To make a donation, go to justgiving.com/teamserrell.