A TRIO of Worcestershire health workers got on their bikes to raise more than £900 to help children with communication problems develop their speech, hearing and language skills.

Speech and Language Therapists at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust Emela Milne, Liz Chatterton and Katie Watson cycled 55 miles from Tenbury to Evesham, via Worcester and Pershore, on Friday, September 5.

The team took on the challenge as part of the trust’s Get Worcestershire Talking campaign, aiming to raise awareness of the needs of children with speech, language and communication difficulties.

Although they had initially set a fundraising target of £500, they almost doubled this raising £917, which will be used to buy games and resources which families can borrow and take home.

Ms Milne said: “Improving a child’s language dramatically improves their life chances.

“For example there is no better predictor of a child’s GCSE results at 16 than their vocabulary at five.

“That’s why it is so crucial to help these children develop their talking skills not only at school but also at home. “

Last year 2,400 children in Worcestershire were referred to the Speech and Language Therapy service.

For more information visit www.hacw.nhs.uk.