WALKERS are being invited to take to the waterway paths around Droitwich to help raise money for St Richard’s Hospice.

The hospice’s fundraising Waterways Walk takes in a 21 mile circular route from Droitwich through Diglis along the restored Worcester and Birmingham Canal passing 41 locks before returning to the town, with a shorter 11 mile route going from Diglis, via Tibberton, to Hanbury Wharf.

More than 70 people have already signed up to take on the walk, including Karen Bradley who is planning to complete it in memory of her mum, who was cared for by St Richard’s Hospice before her death in 2011.

After already completing the Midnight Walk for the hospice, she’s taking on the 21-mile challenge with her partner Robert Williams, best friend Jennie Maslin and her mother’s neighbour Leigh Allen.

She said: “St Richard’s Hospice were brilliant while my mum was ill and gave above and beyond support to the whole family. We wanted to take part in another hospice event and decided that the 21 mile Waterways Walk would give us a new challenge and great opportunity to raise money for this great cause. We have been doing lots of walking to train for the day and really looking forward to our new challenge.”

Alison Parkes, senior fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice, added: “This is really a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty and nature of Worcestershire’s waterways. This annual event is always great fun with a friendly atmosphere and is suitable for all the family, although you also need to be reasonably fit to walk either route. Lots of people have already signed up to take part but we are hoping that many more will join us for this memorable event and raise funds to help the hospice continue to offer compassionate care to those who are at the end of their lives.”

The Waterways Walk, which is sponsored by Droitwich Spa Marina is now in its sixth year. Registration is £10 per person, or £5 for under 16s.

For more information or to register to sign up to take part in the walk, visit strichards.org.uk/waterwayswalk or call the hospice’s fundraising team on 01905 763963.

If anyone would like to sponsor Karen Bradley and her team, they can do so at justgiving.com/Karen-Bradley4.