A TEAM from a Worcester funeral directors will be swapping their suits for something more comfortable when they walk 21 miles along Worcestershire’s beautiful waterways in aid of St Richard’s Hospice.

Lisa Randall, Tim Mitchell and Hannah Sandbrook from Co-operative Funeralcare in Lowesmoor have been training to take part in the hospice’s Waterways Walk, which takes place on Sunday, August 2, and will include a choice of two distances. The three colleagues will take on the longer of the two routes, 21 mile flat circular route which starts at Droitwich before following the River Severn to Worcester and returning from Diglis along the restored Worcester and Birmingham Canal, passing no less than 41 locks. An alternative shorter 11 mile route will take walkers from Diglis via Tibberton to the finish line at Hanbury Wharf.

Jean Gordon, manager at Co-operative Funeralcare, said; “The team is really looking forward to the Waterways Walk and is hoping the weather will be equally agreeable. Some of us have taken part in other St Richard’s walks in previous years and the team wanted to do something to support the hospice again this year. We have experienced the work and care that St Richard's offers both on a personal level and through the many clients that we help and support through a very difficult time and know how important their care has been to families.”

Alison Parkes, senior fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice, said, “This is really a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty and nature of Worcestershire’s waterways. This annual event is always great fun with a friendly atmosphere and is suitable for all the family, although you also need to be reasonably fit to walk either route. "

The Waterways Walk is now in its sixth year and to find out more and to register for the event visit www.strichards.org.uk/waterwayswalk