KEEN walkers looking for a challenge with a difference are being urged to join the 31-mile dawn-till-dusk Worcestershire Way Walk.

Registration is now open for the event on Friday, June 14, which attracts walkers from all over the country.

The walk is organised by St Richard’s Hospice, based in Worcester’s Wildwood Drive, and raised almost £25,000 last year for the charity’s work caring for patients and their families living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

One team which took part last year was led by Malvern businessman Eugenio Grandi. He raised nearly £5,000 in memory of his wife Marilyn Freedman, who was cared for by St Richard’s before she died in 2011.

The team of nine family and friends faced the worst weather conditions ever encountered during the history of the event.

Mr Grandi said: “The cake stops, the sustaining lunch and the support teams who looked after every need, from aching body parts to constant water drops en route, as well as giving moral support and keeping a watchful eye over the walkers, were just brilliant. It was a truly memorable experience.”

The walk starts at Bewdley and ends on the Malvern Hills. The event is limited to 100 participants each year.

There is a £10 registration fee and walkers are asked to raise as much sponsorship as possible. Once registered, walkers will receive a copy of the official guide and sponsorship details.

There will be frequent rest and watering stops. The Worcestershire Way is managed by Worcestershire County Council, whose countryside service staff will be supporting the walk on the day.