AN amputee who inspired St Richard's Hospice's first monumental walk over the Malvern Hills hopes to travel across the country to kick-start the 20th annual trek.

Eric Adams trudged 11 gruelling miles on crutches in 1984 with a handful of ramblers in a bid to raise money for people with life-threatening illnesses.

Twenty years on, the Worcester-born man, who lost his leg through polio, cannot believe the success of the event, which made £19,500 last year alone.

"I hope to come back to Malvern from my home in Lancashire and start the walkers off in this anniversary year," said Mr Adams.

"Unfortunately, I cannot walk these distances any longer as long-term use of crutches has given me problems with my shoulders, but I'm more than willing to cheer people on."

Hundreds of ramblers are expected to support St Richard's, which cared for more than 1,100 patients and bereaved families last year.

Based at Rose Hill, Worcester, the charity has 55 staff and 600 volunteers, providing a free day hospice, home care team, bereavement counselling, 24-hour on-call advice line and The Snowdrop Group for young women living with cancer.

To cater for all ages and fitness levels, walkers can choose from a two, five or 11 mile trek, but need to register in advance.

Individuals, families, groups and dogs are all welcome at the event, catered for by the Malvern Sea Cadets with St John Ambulance offering emergency support.

There is no entry fee but walkers are asked to donate their sponsorship money to St Richard's.

For more information call 01905 763963.