MALVERN’S police force will be swapping their usual street beat duties for trekking on the hills to help raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice.
The team will be putting their best feet forward for the charity’s 30th annual Malvern Hills walk on Saturday (May 17).
Almost 300 walkers of all ages have signed up to dig out their walking boots and head for the hills, with a choice of two, five, and 11 mile routes available.
Last year saw more than 260 people take part in the family fun day who helped raise more than £10,000 for St Richard’s in the process.
Organisers hope this year’s event will prove even more popular as supporters help celebrate the charity’s 30th milestone.
The charity provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families.
The police team is made up of constables and community support officers for the Malvern Hills policing area with PC Sue Parr, PC Cliff Green, PCSO Steve Freeman, PC Dave Wise and PCSO Helen Carstairs, Sgt Ian Blanchard and PCSO Kev Tudge all taking part in the challenge.
PC Wise of Pickersleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “This is our first charity fund-raising walk as a police team. We chose to support St Richard’s Hospice as we wanted to help celebrate their 30th anniversary – particularly as it’s such an important local Worcestershire charity.
“Also, as it is a Malvern Hills walk and we police the area it seemed the perfect opportunity to get involved – we can get a good view of the patch from the top of the beacon!
“We face quite difficult challenges as a team every day in our jobs but we’re looking forward to applying our team spirit to walking the Malverns and supporting a good cause.”
Lizzie Brazier, St Richard’s community fund-raiser, added “The Malvern walk is always very popular and we’re hoping it will be bigger than ever to celebrate our 30th year.
“The event is great fun for all involved, and makes a big difference in helping us continue to provide our care. We have many people who do the walk each year and look forward to striding out across the hills every May.”
Donations for the team can be made online at www.justgiving.com/malverncops or at Malvern Police Station front counter.
The event is sponsored by Droitwich firm RCA Regeneration. Visit http://www.strichards.org.uk/Events/malvernwalk for more information and to register.
