STAFF and students at the University of Worcester have raised more than £10,500 for St Richard’s Hospice.

The hospice was selected as the university’s charity of the year for the 2013/14 academic year.

A number of events took place, including raffles, a quiz night and collection tins placed around the campuses for the cause.

More than half of the total amount raised was thanks to the university’s security team, who tackled the Three Peaks Challenge.

Vice chancellor and chief executive Professor David Green, said: “St Richard’s Hospice does wonderful work.

"The university works very closely with St Richard’s in educating the end of life and palliative care specialist nurses and health care workers for today and tomorrow.

"Our longstanding co-operation has been strengthened by the launch of our Centre for Palliative Care Research, which also includes St Richard’s Hospice.

“Members of the university, staff and student alike, particularly our wonderful facilities, security and estates team have shown great commitment to raising money for St Richard’s as well.

"To top £10,000 is simply wonderful.”

Mark Jackson, chief executive at St Richard’s Hospice, said; “We were delighted to work with the university as their charity of the year and have been very grateful for all the effort that staff and students have put into raising money for us.

"This is a fantastic achievement and the funds will be used to help us continue to offer compassionate care to patients at the end of their lives, and support their loved ones.”