A HAPPY bunch of half-marathon ‘virgins’ will be running in aid of people coping with life-limiting illnesses.

The 16 runners from Worcester Community Housing have taken the brave decision to run 13 miles – with all but one having no experience whatever of taking on such a gruelling distance.

However, Team WCH say the vital work of St Richard’s Hospice is all the motivation they will need to complete the Worcester Half-Marathon on Sunday, April 15.

Karen Gammon has a very personal connection to St Richard’s after they provided essential end of life care for her father, Ken Woodhouse, who died in December 2009 after celebrating a wonderful Christmas there with his close family.

Mrs Gammon said: “I cannot praise St Richard’s enough for the caring and compassionate way they looked after Dad. The staff there are inspirational.

“I want to thank them for all they did for my family by helping them to raise some of the £5.4 million they need every year to continue their work.”

WCH tradesman Darren Thornton came up with the idea of putting together a team and will be joined by Steve Pearce, Chris Webb, Mrs Gammon, Lucie Pearson, Kirsteen Price, Wendy Brookes, Mark Reah, Cara Walker, Hayley Moran, Hannah Baars, Kristy Whitworth, Paul Adams, Matt Lacey, Michelle Beagley, Claire Reeves and Barbara Taylor.

They are hoping to raise about £1,000 for the Wildwood Drive-based hospice, which cares for 2,200 people annually and costs £6 million to run.

To sponsor them visit strichards.org.uk/Fundraisers/team-wch