TIRELESS teams of fundraisers paddled, plodded and pedalled their way through a tough 45-mile challenge to raise around £12,000 for hospice care.

Eight teams from Worcester, Evesham, Malvern and beyond gathered in Pershore to begin the St Richard’s Hospice Paddle Plod and Pedal event on Sunday, June 25.

Now in its seventh year, the day-long challenge began with teams paddling along the River Avon from Pershore to Tewkesbury in bell boats, before walking from Tewkesbury to Kempsey.

Teams then took to the saddle at Edwards Motors in Kempsey and pedalled the remainder of the route back to Pershore, where they were greeted by cheering friends and family.

Jayne Sargeant, community fundraiser at St Richard’s, said: “Well done to everyone who took on this tough challenge; there was great team spirit and you all did a fantastic job.

“We are delighted to have raised so much for St Richard’s, it will help to provide free hospice care for those living with life-limiting illnesses and supporting their families.

“Thank you to Andy Train at Fladbury Paddle Club, all the volunteers who helped on the day, local businesses and of course everyone who took part. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Each team was rewarded with well-earned medals and a pig roast provided by Checketts Ombersley hosted at Pershore Football Club.

Among those taking part was team Where’s the Finish?, who completed the challenge for the fourth year running.

Also taking part were teams from Malvern business Britannia Bennetts, Harrison Clark Rickerbys, Danny’s Paddlers, from XS Fitness in Worcester, the Hateful Eight, from Kidderminster-based Auto Suppliers Ltd, St Andrew’s Army, from St Andrews CE First School in Evesham, the Painkillers, from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, and the Dirty Weekenders.

Together, the teams have pledged to raise £12,000, with more donations set to come in over the next couple of weeks.