AFTER months of planning hundreds of people turned out and braved the rain to take part in Worcester's first ever Acorns Lantern Walk.

Worcester racecourse, along with the rest of city, was lit up by orange lanterns as people put their best foot forward to raise money for the children's hospice.

Around 300 people were expected to have armed themselves with umbrellas, wellies and wigs to complete either a 5K or 12K route, and it is hoped the money raised will break the £15,000 record which was set in Cannon Hill Park in the Birmingham area.

So far, around £8,000 has been counted but that figure is expected to rise.

St John's Dot Koose has been volunteering with the hospice for four years and says she does so because she wants to help.

 

 

 

"I'm doing the walk today because I want to help out, like I always do.

"The hospice does such great work for families and that's why I want to anything I can to help the staff there carry on their good work."

While Natasha Selly, from Tenbury Wells, says she is doing the walk as she has friends who have battled cancer.

"I wanted to do the walk today as I have friends who have had cancer, so it's important to help places like Acorns who help people suffering deceases like that."

Chief executive of the charity, David Strudley, said he was pleased with the turnout and is looking forward to bringing the event back to Worcester next year.

"This is the first one in Worcester, and despite it raining pretty hard, lots of people have still come out for us to do the walk which is great.

"We've done other walks, but this is the big one right now as it's the first one and we want it to be a huge success.

"The fact this is the 10th anniversary of the hospice makes it even more special.

"Hopefully everyone's efforts means we can break the record."

The 12K route saw people walk through the racecourse, through the city centre, to Diglis into Barbourne and back to the racecourse.