DURING the pandemic, the St Richard’s fundraising team has rapidly adapted to working under very different conditions.

As it became clear we could not hold our usual fundraising events, due to social distancing measures, we faced a big challenge: how to continue bringing in much-needed funds for the hospice’s services?

The past few months have tested our creativity and innovation – with some great results.

From our virtual quiz nights, to our 100K Your Way challenge, which raised more than £15,000 for our care, we have worked hard to find new and exciting ways for our community to support us through lockdown.

And we are so grateful to everyone who has raised money, donated, or simply sent in messages of support over these past few months.

As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, we are still working on inventive ways to raise funds safely and have a busy calendar of events and campaigns for this summer.

READ MORE: My job-hunting nightmare at 55

One of the many events we are unable to hold as normal is our Malvern Hills Walk, now in its 36th year.

Instead of holding our usual one-day, mass-participation event, we’re inviting everyone to choose their own date during July and August and step out across the hills while raising funds for our care.

And we’re about to launch our first virtual balloon race across the Sahara Desert, taking place on Friday, August 14.

Running alongside our events are a number of campaigns – including spare change appeal Coins for Care, and Sent with Love, a campaign inviting supporters to share messages of love on specially-designed postcards, with a donation.

We have also launched our ‘Support a Nurse’ campaign, asking supporters to consider giving a regular gift to help fund our future care.

We are hugely heartened by, and grateful for, the support of our wonderful community.

However, we know challenges still lie ahead as we begin to understand the longer-term impact of the pandemic on our fundraising income.

Your support is still greatly needed as we navigate our way through the uncertain times ahead. Take a look at the ways you could support our care, if you feel able to, by visiting our website www.strichards.org.uk/events Thank you.