KEEN walkers are being invited to strap on their boots and take on a gruelling challenge in aid of a Worcester hospice.

This year’s tenth annual Worcestershire Way Walk in aid of St Richard’s Hospice will be held on Friday, June 19.

The 31-mile route will leave from Bewdley bright and early at 6am and travel through the countryside through Abberley, over the northern Malvern Hills and into Great Malvern.

The hospice’s senior fundraiser Alison Parkes said entrants could take part either individually or as a team and the camaraderie among walkers was always a highlight of the event.

“This isn’t an event for the faint hearted, and we certainly recommend some training beforehand,” she said.

“Many people take on this challenge in memory of someone special, as a way of saying thank you for the hospice care they received.

“But often at the end of the walk they realise that they have achieved something fantastic for themselves too.”

The event is sponsored by Carisson Properties Ltd with Worcestershire County Council is providing support vehicles.

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for more than 2,600 patients with life-threatening illnesses and their families every year.

For more information call 01905 763 963 or email aparkes@strichards.org.uk.